Last week was about not overcomplicating solutions.  This week we will explore patio furniture and clarifying roles in decision making.

I mentioned in our last entry that we had a family conversation about the patio furniture.  During this conversation, my wife and I asked our kids what they wanted.  They were excited to have input.  At the

same time, we were very clear with them about their role in this decision.  We explained that we would listen to everything they said, and at the end of the day, my wife and I were the final decision makers.  I further stated that my wife’s preferences outweigh everyone else on this.  My kids understood and appreciated the transparency.  They still felt involved in the decision even if they didn’t have the final say so.

What does this have to do with anything?  Is it just me, or does it feel too often that we try to make decisions by committee?  While I understand the desire to include individuals, doing things by consensus and committee is incredibly slow and ineffective in a world that moves faster and faster.  Additionally, making decisions in this way is incredibly confusing for everyone involved.  If everyone believes that they have an equal say and equal decision-making power, then it’s easy for everyone to believe that all of their suggestions/feedback must be acted on.

While I don’t believe we should make decisions by committee, I do believe there is a sweet spot.  That sweet spot requires you to identify who ultimately will be held accountable for the decision and who has the decision-making authority.  It also includes being transparent with everyone that while you will hear all of their opinions it doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be able to act on all of them.  If you combine this with being clear about the decision making criteria (lesson from a couple of weeks ago 😉) then you have a decision making process that is inclusive AND fast. 

The challenge- Are you clarifying who has decision making rights and how the decision will be made?

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry