Recently I spent a significant amount of time with a small group of people I didn't know before. We adopted a few essential rituals, standards and practices to create a sacred space where we could thrive both as a team and as individuals.
One of those practices was about decision making. We resolved that majority was not a viable way to decide anything if we wanted to keep the space between us sacred. So, we always strived for unanimity.
When there was a decision to make, we gathered in a circle to have a conversation guided by three vital standards or agreements.
The first one was "non-attachment". When anyone proposed an option, we did so by practising non-attachment to the outcome. That requires us to learn to express what we needed more than what we wanted.
The second one was "deep listening". When the goal is to reach unanimity, listening is way more important than talking. So, we listened actively. What needs are the others expressing? What emotions do I feel in their words? And what feelings do those words trigger in me? By listening actively, we could sense when there was a deep need that the group must meet.
The last one was "one for all, all for one". The group's well-being could be achieved only by taking care of the well-being of each member. And by taking care of the group, we took care of each member. That awareness allowed us to let go of the ego and keep our promise never to let anyone behind.
This decision's process has been fundamental in creating a sacred and creative space for everyone.
Sure, we were a small group, and I'm aware that it may not readily apply to a bigger context. Yet, in a society where the "winner takes it all" attitude seems dominant, I believe that practising these three simple standards would make a massive difference.