Final answer:
The best reason to use a consensus decision-making technique is when the team is in the performing stage, as the team dynamics are conducive to effective collaboration and high commitment to team goals. Consensus works less effectively with large groups, during the norming stage, or when a new leader is trying to establish a reputation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best reason to use a consensus decision-making technique among the given options is that the team is in the performing stage (option 3). When a team reaches the performing stage, team members are competent, autonomous, and able to handle the decision-making process without inappropriate conflict or the need for external supervision. Consensus decision-making is effective in this stage because team members are likely to be committed to the team's goal, are efficient in communicating, and can contribute to a solution that everyone agrees on. This collaborative environment ensures that differing opinions are considered and that the best possible technique for the decision is adopted.
Conversely, having more than 15 people in a group (option 1) can make consensus decision-making challenging due to the potential for high transaction costs—aligning so many differing viewpoints could become unwieldy. If the team is in the norming stage (option 2), they may still be working on establishing trust and process, which could slow down the consensus method. For a new leader wanting to establish a reputation (option 4), this goal doesn't inherently match the strengths of consensus decision-making, as it might be more about their leadership style rather than the decision technique best suited for the team.