Thinking together should not mean extracting the same answer from everyone. People bring different experiences, information, interests, and assumptions. This diversity can reveal overlooked issues, but group work can also produce conformity, domination by a few voices, and premature consensus.
Separate participation from quality
Ask participants to record ideas individually before open discussion. Then pool proposals, identify overlaps, and preserve important disagreements. A lively meeting is not sufficient evidence of a high-quality decision.
Treat disagreement as information
When people disagree, ask whether they differ about facts, values, evaluation criteria, or consequences. Deciding to gather more evidence without forcing agreement can be a legitimate outcome.
A small exercise
Have everyone write three proposals independently. Before voting, investigate the assumptions behind minority views and list the uncertainties that the group still shares.