| Method |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
| Consensus: Discuss the issue until everyone agrees. |
- The team will reach the best possible compromise.
|
- The process is time-consuming.
- The consensus may be “fake” — someone on the team may give in just so that the team can move on.
|
| Majority rules: Vote and adopt the majority decision. |
- The impasse is resolved quickly.
- The solution does not involve anyone outside the team.
|
- Some team members may feel left out or that others are “ganging up” on them.
|
| Instructor decides: Present both sides anonymously to the instructor and let him or her decide. |
- Feelings are unlikely to be hurt.
- The team will have more information about what the instructor wants.
|
- It takes time to contact the instructor and present both sides.
- The instructor may not want to intervene.
|
| Third party decides: Present both sides anonymously to a classmate, a client (if applicable), or another party and ask that person to decide. |
- Feelings are unlikely to be hurt.
|
- It may take time to contact a third party and present the information.
|