Systemic Consensing (SC) Training
The Failsafe Consensus Way

“Facilitation Skills Just Might Be The Best Kept Leadership Secret”
forbes.com

Systemic Consensing (SC) Training

Seminar location:

Eastern France
(specific venue to be finalised shortly

Duration:

3,5 Days

Date:

Mid-October 2026
(exact dates to be confirmed soon)

Context

We all know the frustration. In our groups, associations, or communities, we aspire to live in cooperation and benevolence. Yet, as soon as a decision needs to be made, we often hit a wall.
We either exhaust ourselves in endless searches for consensus, or we resign ourselves to the classic majority vote or something similar. However, this majority voting system carries an invisible systemic flaw: it is based on “scarcity”, our options are limited. By asking “Who is for?”, it mechanically creates two camps, winners and losers, and implicitly encourages power struggles rather than mutual consideration.

How can we concretely embody “Power With”?

This is where Systemic Consensing (SC) comes in. SC and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) complement each other perfectly. While NVC gives us the language of connection, SC provides the structure to decide together without overriding anyone.

From a systemic perspective, SC intrinsically fosters cooperation. Unlike the classic majority vote which intrinsically drives competition, SC changes the rules of the game: for a proposal to be accepted, it must generate the least amount of resistance within the group. Structurally, this method compels us to care for everyone’s needs and limits. We no longer look to impose our will, but to build a solution that everyone can live with.

 

A Precious Legacy

It is no coincidence that our late friend Klaus Karstädt, a well-known figure from our German NVC community, invested a lot of time and energy to spread SC. Other trainers, mostly in France and Germany, have also contributed to spreading SC among our communities. To fully live NVC, we need decision-making tools that structure for social peace rather than weaken it.​

A workshop to experience and spread Systemic Consensing

To make Systemic Consensing accessible and help spread this approach within NVC communities, we are planning to organize a dedicated training workshop. This 3.5-day training will be dedicated to the hands-on practice of SC facilitation from start to finish. There you will gain confidence in handling challenging facilitation scenarios and learn how to help groups overcome common obstacles (e.g., when discussions drag on unproductively or when proposals exceed agreed-upon limits).​

The training aims to equip you with SC tools and credible communication skills, including:

  • Icebreaker & Reflective Rounds: Techniques to ensure emotional safety, clarify individuals’ place in the group, and process how the method affects them.
  • Consensus Rounds: Facilitating discussions where ideas are rated based on their level of resistance rather than support.
  • Decision Integration: Methods for selecting low-objection options to effectively meet group goals.
  • Handling Complexity: Managing hierarchical dynamics, off-topic digressions, or situations where multiple suggestions are equally accepted.

Why participate?

  • Universal & Scalable: The process adapts to everything, from basic day-to-day decisions to strategic choices for large communities.
  • Simple & Accessible: SC is easy to learn and immediate to implement.
  • Open to All: There are no prerequisites. It is not reserved for NVC practitioners but is open to anyone looking to step out of classic power games.

Practical Information

  • Dates: Mid-October 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed soon)
  • Location: Eastern France (specific venue to be finalised shortly)
  • Language: The workshop will be facilitated in English, with consecutive translation into French.
  • Tuition Fees:
    • Standard rate: €950 per person
    • Discounted rate (if more than 20 attendees): €850 per person
    • Note: Meals and accommodation are not included in the tuition fee.
  • Certification: Participation in this training would count towards SC User & Facilitator Certification for those who are interested in attaining qualification.

Request and Next Steps

We are currently finalising the venue and exact dates. To help us organize this event, please simply send an email to training@businesskonsens.eu with “YES, I’m interested in SC training”. We will get back to you personally with more details as soon as they are available.

We look forward to seeing you there to experiment with this way of making a smoother society together.

Resources

Volker Visotschnig
LBP00176_DominikBerger2022_c
Johannes Drielsma

Volker Visotschnig
SC Lead Trainer

Bilingual English/German.

Over 20 years of international experience training for non-profits and corporates.
SC-Nativ

Dominik Berger
SC Master Trainer

Bilingual English/German.

Over 30 years of international experience in corporate transformation, innovation, and organisational development.

Johannes Drielsma
SC Apprentice Trainer

Bilingual English/French.

30yrs experience engaging stakeholders to drive implementation of sustainability initiatives

Our general terms and conditions apply.