consensus
Consensus is the group ceremony that dominates the atmosphere of the conference room and celebrates the moment no one wants to take responsibility. It is the silent nod of everyone that constitutes true agreement, while the actual decisions happen secretly after someone quietly swallows the proposal. By chanting "unanimous", trivial issues become sanctified and serve as a magical excuse for delay. The more fervently one demands consensus, the more likely they are to neglect action—a curious social contract.