Agile Kitchen Recap
At our July edition of Agile Kitchen, we focused on a challenge that most teams face but rarely address directly: how organizations make decisions.
Together with Jef Cumps, we explored the practice of consent decision-making. It’s a structured but flexible way of making decisions that prioritises speed, safety, and shared ownership: no rigid approvals, no drawn-out debates. Just follow the steps below, supported by the people who need to move forward.
Yes, it was a hot evening. But the insights were well worth the heat.
Consent is not the same as consensus
Because we allIn many organizations, decision-making often swings between two extremes. On one end, decisions are turned down. On the other hand, we slow them down by seeking complete agreement. Both have a cost.
Consent decision-making offers something else. Instead of asking “Does everyone agree?” we ask “Is there any reason we can’t move forward with this?”
The shift may seem small, but it changes everything. The goal is no longer perfect alignment. The goal is to move forward when no one sees a serious objection.
This makes the process:
- Fast without being careless
- Inclusive without being stuck
- Practical without losing sight of people
And most importantly, it’s aligned with the Agile mindset of learning and adjusting through action.
So what is an objection, you ask?
During the session, Jef invited the group to participate in a live role-play. Together, we unpacked what makes an objection meaningful. Many teams confuse discomfort with risk. But the difference matters.
A helpful question emerged:
“What could go wrong if we do this anyway?”
If the answer reveals actual harm or risk to purpose or values, the concern is likely valid. If not, it may be a matter of personal preference. Learning to distinguish those is crucial for making good, informed decisions quickly.
Not every objection needs fixing
Some objections aren’t real objections, that need fixing, but concerns. They don’t need to be solved. They need to be seen.
Sometimes, it’s enough to acknowledge someone’s concern and move forward. The aim is not to eliminate all tension. It’s about building the confidence that moving forward is safe, even if it’s not perfect. This builds trust. It also saves time, without sacrificing care.
‘Good enough for now and safe enough to try.’
Learning from practice: KU Leuven’s story
In the second part of the evening, we heard from Sofie of KU Leuven and Frank, one of our own agile coaches. They participated in a panel discussion to share their experiences of introducing consent decision-making.
At first, the method felt unfamiliar. The language, the structure, and even the idea of openly show objections with hand gestures took some getting used to. But starting small made all the difference.
They began with lower-stakes decisions and took time to build confidence. Over time, the approach became not only accepted but welcome. Decisions became clearer. Follow-up conversations were easier. And team members reported a stronger sense of ownership.
KU Leuven’s full story will soon be featured on the Consent Besluitvorming podcast.
Curious to explore more?
Visit www.consentbesluitvorming.be. It’s a free resource hub curated by Jef, filled with:
- A podcast featuring real-world stories from Belgian organizations
- Learning materials
- Concrete practices and examples
What we’re taking with us
Here are a few things we’re still thinking about:
- Consent is about clarity, not consensus
- Objections are valuable, even if they feel uncomfortable
- Moving forward is often safer than it seems
- Small changes in how we listen can lead to significant shifts in how we work
Consent decision-making is not just a tool; it is a principle. It’s a mindset that supports teams in being intentional, responsive, and respectful.
Save the date: Summer BBQ Edition
We’re closing off the summer with a special Agile Kitchen session. Food from the grill, drinks in hand, and 2 different talks.
Same principles, just with more fresh air.
Thanks again to everyone who joined us. And to Jef, Sofie, and Frank for sharing their insights and stories.