The “Fist of Five” Tool for validating agreement on decisions

by Todd Langton

Art by Daisy Grant and DALL-E 3.
The artist acknowledges that there’s going to be a LOT of issues that need to be resolved out of the room!

To check agreement with a group, i.e., determine buy-in for an individual or a team, or even at a meeting with groups, the Fist of Five is a sure-fire tool to be certain there is real agreement and also to check the level of agreement. Research clearly tells us that there is a direct correlation between buy-in and implementation success.

HOW IT WORKS: When reaching agreement or to check the level of agreement on decisions, ask an individual or a group to show fingers indicating acceptance or agreement. Here is the code for Fist of Five – finger throwing.