Decision Strategies:
How to Engage Others in Decision-Making
At the end of each session, participants were asked to describe what lesson from the program had the greatest impact on them. What resonated for them the most? Here is a representative sample of comments:
- The importance of clearly determining up front "who really owns the decision." I have had various frustrating experiences where I have worked on making decisions only to find out that I didn’t have the authority to make them.
- The four steps on how to ask for input to help make a quality decision. And the value of using the consultative option before delegating to test/coach others.
- The establishment of a timeframe and using the 80/20 rule within that timeframe to make an informed decision without “analysis paralysis.” Thank you for the valuable insights!
- I like your techniques for how to minimize resentment when you ask for others’ suggestions and then don’t necessarily do what they have suggested. That’s a very common problem.
- The importance of sincerely listening during consultative, delegated, and joint decision-making.
- I recognized during today’s discussion that I tend to give my opinion first when I ask for others’ advice. I realize now that I may be over-influencing how they respond.
- Understanding the 3 Fundamental Rules of decision-making and how that can help me make better decisions and engage others appropriately.
- Being clear up front about what I want from another person in a consultative decision, and following up with the person after I have made the decision.
- Decision-making as separated into 4 distinct types of decisions. Understanding how they differ from each other is something I can use actively in both my career and at home.
- Your point about not using the process of decision-making as an engagement tool, but rather as a way to achieve better decisions. If I do this process right, positive engagement will inevitably follow.
- The whole session was immensely informative! In particular, breaking down delegation into the sensible step-by-step process you explained will be very useful for me.
- How to properly ask for input (rigorously and respectfully). I should focus on learning instead of persuading when seeking input! I realize now that I have not always been genuine when doing this, and that has diminished my impact and results.
- I find it particularly challenging to be involved in joint decision-making. So your suggestions will really help me be a more productive partner when I am called upon to be part of a decision.
- I liked how you suggested that we should ask the person to whom we are delegating decisions to summarize the expectations. This goes a long way in terms of accountability.
- The prescriptions for each decision type were really helpful. But the part about determining what type of decision is most appropriate (“decide how to decide”) will be my biggest takeaway.
- I am guilty of asking others for their input when I have already decided what I will do (what you have termed “fake consultative decision-making”). I will now work diligently to avoid doing that.
- The point of the “Brick Test” and the need to skillfully facilitate the environment when working with others on joint decisions so everyone adds value beyond a brick.
- This course has taught me to take a pause and think how I want to approach decision-making going forward rather than just make the decision on my own like I have been used to doing. Thanks!