Group Decision-Making: Exploring the Delphi Method and Dot Voting

The Delphi method is also known as the Estimate-Talk-Estimate (ETE) technique, and is based on collecting opinions from experts through rounds of questions (Delphi Method, 2021).  The Delphi method consists of identify an issue and an objective, the gathering a group of experts and a facilitator.  Then the experts are given three rounds of questionnaires.

The first questionnaire is filled with open-ended questions, allowing the experts to brainstorm. The facilitator gathers the responses and is tasked with creating a summary report.  The second questionnaire is based on the analyzation of the first questionnaire, and those responses are then summarized by the facilitator.  The third round is similar to the second and continues to refine continuing themes.  Additional rounds can be added to continue to reach consensus.  

 

Another method is known as dot voting, or sticky dot voting, and is a personal favorite of mine because I have seen it used well in various scenarios.  Basically, you put each idea on an individual sticky note or a separate line on a whiteboard.  Next, you give sticky dots to each member of the team, and let them put dots on the idea they want to vote for.  After that is done, you can rearrange the sticky notes in order of most to least votes.

("How dot voting helps with group decision-making," 2021)

 

I have used this at conferences where software teams wanted to know what ideas were considered most valuable.  It is quick, and every vote is equal.  Everyone participates, and it creates priorities for the group.  Cons to this method is that it can facilitate groupthink, but this can be avoided using online platforms like Lucidspark ("How dot voting helps with group decision-making," 2021).  Also, split voting can happen, where an even number of votes can appear on multiple ideas.  This can be resolved by assigning dots to participants with a value of 1, 2, or 3 representing their 1^st-3^rd choices.  

 

References

 

Delphi Method - A qualitative method of forecasting where experts answer several rounds of questionnaires. (2021).  Retrieved 10/2/2021 from https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/delphi-method/

How dot voting helps with group decision-making. (2021). Lucidspark. https://lucidspark.com/blog/dot-voting