Advantages

• Reduces the likelihood of short-sighted and foolish actions–such as those resulting from organizations plagued by notions of “growth and progress at any cost”.
• Ensures that quieter, and often more thoughtful members can be heard.
• Ensures the widest possible participation.
• Ensures that a wider range of opportunities and concerns are considered.

Disadvantages

• In full consensus, a single person can block all progress, often for emotional, irrational or nefarious reasons. The “Modified Consensus Model” helps alleviate this problem.
• Can lead to a lack of progress if infiltrators or disruptors join the group.
• Can lead to “group think” if unacknowledged dominators exert outsized influence.
• Can lead to long meetings and burnout if minor decisions are not delegated away.