The Trouble with Agreement: When Everyone Agrees, What Might We Be Missing?

A few nods, no objections, and the group is ready to move on. It can feel like a successful moment. But how do we know what people are actually agreeing to?

Perhaps the conversation has brought everyone to a shared understanding. Perhaps some people still have doubts, feel pressure to go along, or understand the decision differently.

As facilitators, trainers and coaches, we often help groups find common ground. This Café gathering invites us to look more closely at that moment of agreement and consider what deserves a little more exploration before we move towards action.

Through two rounds of World Café-style conversations, we’ll share experiences, exchange perspectives and explore practical ways to help groups test their agreement. You’ll change groups between rounds, carrying ideas into a fresh conversation.

What you’ll experience

• A thought-provoking opening question: “When everyone agrees, what might we be missing?”
• A first round of small-group conversation exploring experiences of groups reaching agreement quickly.
• A second round, with a fresh mix of people, exploring how we can help groups test agreement before committing to action.
• A shared reflection to draw out useful insights and questions.
• Space to identify one idea you could try in your own practice.

This is a participative gathering. The conversation will grow from the experiences, questions and perspectives everyone brings.

What you need

• A reliable internet connection and access to Zoom.
• A microphone so you can join the breakout conversations.
• A notebook or somewhere to capture your thoughts.
• A willingness to listen, contribute and question your own assumptions.

If a particular group experience comes to mind, bring it along. Please keep any identifying details confidential.

Who’s it for?

Facilitators, trainers, coaches and anyone who helps people think, learn or make decisions together.

Whether you’re developing your practice or have years of experience, you’re welcome. If you’ve ever left a session wondering, “Did we really agree?”, there’s a conversation here for you.

About the host

Kevin Watson is a coach, facilitator, consultant and founder of The Facilitator’s Café, a community where facilitators, trainers and coaches connect, experiment and develop their practice.

Kevin brings a practical, curious approach to helping people explore different perspectives and learn from one another. For this gathering, he’ll host the process, with everyone contributing to the conversation.

Bring your curiosity, your experience and a cuppa. Join us to explore what a room full of nodding heads might be telling us.