Dot Voting is a straightforward and democratic decision-making technique widely used within teams to prioritise ideas, projects, or solutions. Often employed during workshops, brainstorming sessions, or meetings, this method allows participants to express their preferences or priorities among a range of options by placing a limited number of dots or stickers next to their choices.
The process starts with the presentation of all options or ideas, which are typically displayed on a wall or board for easy access. Each participant is given a set number of dots or stickers, which they can distribute among the options in any way they see fit. Participants may choose to allocate all their dots to a single option they strongly support or spread them across several options to indicate broader preferences.
The beauty of Dot Voting lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. It gives all participants an equal voice, enabling a visual and transparent aggregation of the group's collective preferences. By tallying the dots, the team can quickly identify which ideas have the most support and should be prioritised for further development or action.
Dot Voting is particularly effective in streamlining decision-making processes, reducing biases, and fostering a sense of ownership and commitment among team members. It encourages engagement and consensus-building by allowing participants to see where the group's priorities lie, facilitating more focused discussions and decisions that reflect the collective judgement and values of the team.
In summary, Dot Voting is a versatile and efficient tool that enhances team collaboration and decision-making. By democratising the process of prioritising and selecting ideas, it ensures that the directions chosen are truly representative of the team's collective preferences, leading to more aligned and effective outcomes.