Roman Voting
The simplest possible group voting technique: thumbs up (yes), thumbs sideways (neutral/can live with it), or thumbs down (no/block). Named after the Roman gladiatorial arena gesture, it's used for rapid, simultaneous polling on yes/no decisions or to check for consent.
How to run it
- 1
State the proposal or question clearly.
- 2
Count down '3-2-1' and have everyone show their thumb simultaneously.
- 3
Thumbs up = support, thumbs sideways = neutral, thumbs down = oppose or need to discuss.
- 4
If unanimous thumbs up: proceed.
- 5
If any thumbs sideways/down: invite those people to briefly state their concern.
- 6
Revise the proposal if needed and re-vote.
Tips
Best for straightforward yes/no decisions.
For nuanced decisions use Fist of Five instead.
Make voting simultaneous to avoid anchoring effects.
Variations
Use coloured cards (green/yellow/red) instead of thumbs for visibility in large groups. For remote teams use poll reactions (👍/➡️/👎).
Where it fits
Related methods
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Roman Voting?▾
Use Roman Voting when you want to: Quick decisions in meetings; Consent rounds in sociocracy; Checking energy levels; Go/no-go decisions.
How long does Roman Voting take?▾
Roman Voting typically takes 2–10 minutes.
How many participants does Roman Voting work for?▾
Roman Voting works best for groups of 2–100 participants.
What materials do I need for Roman Voting?▾
To run Roman Voting you will need: none (uses thumbs).
How difficult is Roman Voting to facilitate?▾
Roman Voting is rated beginner — straightforward to facilitate even without prior experience.
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