1. Understanding group dynamics: Identify the key decision-makers and influencers within the group. Address their concerns and ensure everyone feels heard. 2. Building rapport with the entire team: Show that you value each person’s input and create an atmosphere of collaboration rather than competition. 3. Patience and flexibility: Group decisions often take longer. Be patient, allow time for internal discussions, and remain flexible to accommodate different opinions. 4. Presenting options and solutions: Offer multiple solutions that address diverse perspectives within the group. This can help facilitate consensus. 5. Summarizing agreements: Regularly summarize points of agreement to keep the group aligned and ensure progress.

Though there are various approaches on practical ground which can be applied. However we can follow three layered strategy for this. First and foremost would be to identify your BATNA (Best Alternative To A Negotiated Agreement). Build your rapport amongst the stakeholders and identify common minimum agreement. Flexibility is another driver which looks easy however is difficult to adopt in the scenario. You can always look for some concessions in exceptional cases. Be transparent and communicate clearly to other parties. Last but not the least always look for solutions which bring values for all concerned parties and not for the one!!

Start by clearly understanding the group's shared objectives and concerns, ensuring all voices are heard. Facilitate open discussions that encourage diverse viewpoints, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the issues. Present proposals that align with the group's values, emphasizing mutual benefits and shared goals. Use visual aids or collaborative tools to help illustrate points and encourage collective decision-making. Be patient and flexible, allowing time for the group to deliberate and reach agreement collectively. Regularly check in with the group’s opinion leaders to ensure alignment and maintain momentum.

It is very important to understand each of the group’s member perspective on the matter together with their concern. From there you try to align those perspectives to agree on what is the most important goal(s) / outcome(s) that the client wants to achieve. By this you can create the best approach / strategy to the negotiation, including the moment when we need to make a decision.

There is nothing wrong with consensus building; in many ways, it's the core of a successful negotiation. That being said, it is common for folks to get bogged down in the little things in group discussions and grind progress to a halt. It's essential to have consensus on the big picture and large line items, but for the small things, it's best to assign those to individuals on the team to iron out and present back to the larger negotiation team.