What is Deep Democracy
Deep Democracy is a decision-making and facilitation method developed by Myrna Lewis and Greg Lewis in South Africa. The method emerged in the context of post-apartheid transformation and provides a powerful framework for working with groups.
The 5-step method
Deep Democracy follows a structured 5-step method that helps groups make better decisions by hearing all voices in the group, including the minority voice.
- Gathering perspectives: All perspectives are heard and acknowledged.
- Voting: The group votes on the proposal.
- Inviting the minority: The minority is invited to share their objections and wisdom.
- Spreading the wisdom: The minority's insights are integrated into the decision.
- New decision: A new, supported decision is made that contains the wisdom of the entire group.
Core competencies
Deep Democracy develops the following core competencies:
- Listening to all voices in a group
- Recognizing and utilizing resistance
- Conflict transformation
- Inclusive decision-making
- Facilitating group processes
- Dealing with emotions and tension in groups
Areas of application
Deep Democracy is applied worldwide in organizations, education, healthcare, government and civil society organizations. The method is particularly suitable for:
- Teams that want to make better decisions
- Organizations working on diversity and inclusion
- Leaders who want to strengthen their facilitation skills
- Professionals who work with groups and conflicts
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