In short
Setting up a ConsensIQ session comes down to five practical steps: frame the question, choose the options, decide the number of points, plan the rounds, and test beforehand. Each step is simple on its own, but the order determines how smoothly the session itself runs. Working through these five steps heads off most surprises on the day.
Why preparation makes the difference
To participants, a consensus session feels simple: spread points, watch what happens, adjust. Behind the scenes there's a bit of work needed to make that run smoothly. The admin sets up the questions and options beforehand through a wizard, so the facilitator only has to steer during the session rather than build anything on the spot. Five steps take you from an idea to a working session.
Five steps to a working session
- 1
Frame a clear question
Start with a question that can only be read one way and genuinely asks for a choice, for instance 'Which priority do we tackle first next year?' rather than a vague invitation to share thoughts.
- 2
Choose the options, up to ten
Decide which options belong to the question, in text or image form. Keep it to a maximum of ten per question, so participants keep a realistic overview and can spend their points purposefully.
- 3
Decide the number of points
Choose how many points each participant gets to spread, for example 100. Round numbers work well, since participants can then quickly work out how much they're putting on something.
- 4
Plan the rounds
Decide how many rounds the session will have and therefore how many options drop out each time. With many options and little time, choose fewer rounds with bigger steps; with more time you can narrow things down more gradually.
- 5
Test the screen and remote
Before the meeting, check that the presentation screen is clearly visible to the whole room and that the facilitator can comfortably operate the remote on phone or tablet, including pausing and adjusting options.
The facilitator's role during the session
Once the preparation is done, the work shifts to the facilitator. They run the session live: opening a question, allowing for discussion by pausing, adding an option if one comes up in conversation, and moving on to the next question. A well prepared session leaves the facilitator free to watch the room instead of wrestling with the technology.
A common mistake: too many options
The most common pitfall when setting up a session is offering too many options out of fear of leaving something out. With more than ten options it becomes hard for participants to spend their points purposefully, and the first round drags on unnecessarily. It's better to start with the options that matter most and let the facilitator add one live during the session if it turns out to be needed.
Who does what during preparation
In practice, preparation usually sits with the admin, who sets up the content, while the facilitator focuses on how the questions will land in the room. It's worth going through the questions and options together before the session starts: the admin knows what's technically possible, and the facilitator knows what the group needs for a good conversation. That short check-in beforehand avoids having to adjust a question mid session.
Before and during the meeting
Plan the technical test at least a day in advance, so there's still time to fix a wifi hiccup or the wrong screen. On the day itself it's mostly about starting gently: let participants get used to spreading points on a simple opening question before moving on to the real topic.
Ready to start
With a sharp question, a manageable set of options and a quick technical test, you're set for a session that runs smoothly. The rest, spreading and adjusting points, is left to the group itself, with the facilitator simply there to guide the conversation along the way.