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One of the better-known group decisionmaking techniques, paring it down uses popular votes to get ideas or issues down to a reasonable number.

An effective scoping method, paring down helps find fatal flaws, pare down options, identify significant issues and concerns, and formulate alternatives. This method allows everyone to participate and to "own" the decision. This technique is especially good for small groups and intense interactions.


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Select and invite representatives from groups that have shown an interest in your program.

Formulate and state the problem. If there are more than 6 or 8 people, break into smaller groups and then tally group results. Generate ideas (either separately or in small groups).

Record and number these ideas on a board. Discuss each idea. Then have each member rank the ideas. Use polling techniques in larger groups. Tally the votes. Announce any obvious winners and continue the discussion (or hold another meeting) to clarify close votes. Often, Pareto Charts can effectively portray these results.

 


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Note: These files were developed and were originally hosted at the Bureau of Reclamation, United States Department of the Interior.
Eastgate is hosting this as an archive. Contact Deena Larsen for further information.