Consensus can be defined as a collective opinion arrived at by a group of individuals working together. Decision making through consensus is the method used to achieve unified commitment and joint ownership. Most often organization-centered decision by authority brings about individual compliance, but not voluntary commitment. Consensus is a unified, jointly agreed upon outcome that all can support and "live with." Consensus does not signify total agreement, nor does it suggest the conclusion of an "ideal" arrangement.

For teams to reach consensus, the following conditions must exist among team members: Trust and honesty among members to speak openly and freely, and with no hidden agenda. Apathy and fear will negate reaching consensus. Respect for the opinions of others and the appreciation for divergent points of view. Tolerance of diversity and creativity in thought are essential. Freedom to reach solutions that may go against the opinions and wishes of the leader or administration. Solutions that are made to appease the leader indicate fear and lack of trust and honesty in the group.

All teams progress through similar stages of development to make decisions and achieve goals. Cautious affiliation to the team exists. Members explore and test relationships. Productivity is minimal as relationships are tentative and guarded and members are cautious about sharing their ideas and feelings. Conflict with others surface with blame and disagreements over team goals. Performance expectations develop and leaders emerge through alliances formed from knowledge, skills, and other desired attributes of the group.