Consensus generation in pathology often involves an expert in the discussion topic also acting as the consensus facilitator. At the Banff Transplant Pathology conferences, the facilitator guiding the consensus discussions is a well-known pathologist expert in the topics. This dual role can be effectively filled using a five-step process of listening with a point of view. The facilitator must balance expressing their own perspective while also engaging in facilitative listening to fully consider other opinions at least twice as much. This allows the expert to provide guidance while still promoting widespread participation and agreement among all attendees.

1. Consensus Generation in
Pathology
MENTORING ASPECTS AND HOW RULES ARE ESTABLISHED, THE EXAMPLE OF
BANFF TRANSPLANT PATHOLOGY MEETING DISCUSSIONS
RONGJIA LIU

2. What is consensus decision making?
• Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definition: consensus
• 1. general agreement, the judgement arrived at by most of those concerned
2. group solidarity in sentiment and belief
• A process used by groups seeking to generate widespread levels of
participation and agreement on topics of discussion
• Highly effective decision making method

3. Traditional consensus facilitation
• Consensus facilitator is a profession
• Professional training and certification available
• Usually the facilitator would not be an expert on the discussion topic
and would be a neutral third party
• However…

4. Banff Conferences on Transplant Pathology Consensus
- The facilitator can be
a well-known
pathologist who is
expert in the
discussion topics
- Often the leader of
the group
- So, is there a way for
an expert in the
discussion topic to
also act as the
consensus
facilitator?

5. Listening With a Point of View
KANER S, WITH LIND L, TOLDI C, FISK S, BERGER D (2007) FACILITATOR’S GUIDE TO
PARTICIPATORY DECISION-MAKING, 2ND EDN. SAN FRANCISCO, CA: JOSSEY-BASS.

6. Listening with a point of view
• Answers the question “How does the expert promote his or her own
point of view effectively, while still making room for all other opinions
to be voiced?”
• The person playing the dual role has two mind-sets:
• The leader’s mind-set: responsible for clarifying his or her own thinking and
communicating it effectively
• Facilitator’s mind-set: care about helping the group do its best thinking, wanting
to support others to develop their lines of thought
• Five-step process that supports this person to balance
both roles

7. Step 1
• Raise the issue that is to be discussed
• State your position

8. Step 2
• Ask for reactions from the audience

9. Step 3
• Respond to participants’ comments as a facilitator would
• Paraphrase and draw people out
• Many people find it hard to challenge authority; they may need extra
support to risk voicing a differing opinion

10. Step 4
• After at least 2 moves of facilitative listening, give yourself the floor to
speak
• Make statements that reflect your own perspective
• Answer questions, provide information, explain, advocate

11. Step 5
• Repeat Steps 2-4 as needed
• Remember to balance expressing your own point of view with at least
twice as much facilitative listening

12. Thank you for your time!!