“What is the easiest way to ascertain if our meeting group is ready to move to the next agenda item or next part of our current discussion? Sometimes I’m not sure.”

11. GO/NO GO

What Is GO/NO GO?

GO/NO GO is a productivity technique that helps your meeting group decide whether or not to move forward. This can mean moving to the next agenda item, the next section of a complex question, the next step, or the next question or making any decision that requires a yes or no vote.

If an ongoing discussion is incomplete, and this often occurs with complex issues, moving forward prematurely slows down or even undermines success. The GO/NO GO technique involves a simple voting procedure to make this determination.

When to Use GO/NO GO

•  When you want agreement from the group that it is time to move on
•  When you need agreement from the group to do something

How to Use GO/NO GO

1. When you feel that it is time for the group to move on, take a vote.

You might say to the group, “All in favor of moving forward to the next section/agenda item say go.” … “All in favor of not moving forward say no go.”

2. If there are NO GO votes, address the concerns of the negative voters before moving forward. Ask, “What needs to happen before you will feel comfortable moving forward?” Examples of NO GO reasons include a need to further explore a fact or gather additional information. Address NO GO issues in the appropriate manner.

3. Revote as necessary.

OPTION: Instead of voting, simply confirm your recommendation to move forward with the group. For example, “I think we are ready to move on, do you agree?” Look for verbal and nonverbal confirmation and react accordingly.

OPTION: Ask the manager or group leader in the meeting to make the GO/NO GO decision.

Summary

GO/NO GO is a technique to help your team decide as a group when it is time to move forward. This can relate to the next agenda item, the next section of a complex question, or any decision requiring a yes or no vote.

1. Take a GO/NO GO vote to gain consensus.

2. When there are NO GO votes, address the concerns of the negative voters before moving forward.

3. Revote as necessary.

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