Quick Question: How will we make this decision?
Quick Question
Here is today's quick question for you...How will we make this decision?
Ask it when you're...
Making a complex decision - Don’t assume that everyone involved appreciates the complexity in the same way that you do. Set the context by talking openly about why it is complex and then switch from the ‘what’ to the ‘how’. Establish agreement about how the decision will be made before getting into the nitty-gritty of the content.
Making a risk-laden decision - Not all decisions are created equal. Some are more risky than others. When those come up, it’s worth stopping to revisit your established decision-making mechanisms to see how they could be adapted to account for the different risk profiles.
Making a decision with new team members—When a new member joins your team, they won’t be familiar with your decision-making routines. They will likely have ideas about how things can be improved. Asking the question brings them into the fold and gives them a chance to contribute.
Listen for...
We often jump into decision-making mode without stopping to consider whether we’re all planning to make the decision in the same way. Are we aiming for consensus? Is this a captain’s call? Or will the majority rule?
Try to listen for:
Loud voices who commandeer the process without explicit agreement
Absent voices who aren’t playing an active role in the decision
What’s being said through non-verbal communication (e.g. is everyone looking at the most senior person to see what they will say and do)
Asking ‘How will we make this decision?’ will provide an opportunity to align on the process before getting into the content. This can save considerable time and confusion as you navigate your way through.
Follow up with...
Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the one extra question you take the time to ask.
In this situation, you could try…
How important is it that we all agree?
Who knows the most about this decision?
How strongly do we all feel about this decision?
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