Make Decisions
We want to have direct conversations about how decisions are made and who is making them, so we can act as an informed team rather than a group of individuals.
Mindsets
What are the agreed perspectives we hold for making decisions?
State the intent of decision making; understanding the “why” is key. If we all are informed, we’ll be more willing to ask questions, to engage and trust in the process. Decision making should inspire not dictate.
Habits
What habits nurture how we make decisions?
INDIVIDUALLY
Have confidence that you’re valued here, and you have the freedom to decide what the best solution is in the work you’re creating. Always ask. If you have questions about who’s making decisions or you want to change the direction, create the space for those dialogues.
It’s easy to n0t speak up because you’re uncertain of your role, or what you’re doing here, or if you don’t know what do to.
Start with having 100% confidence that you’re where you’re supposed to be. And from that place, ask your question, or express what you’re feeling with 100% confidence that your peers
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2 PEOPLE
Explain and ask why decisions have been made and what it means for the other person. Repeat.
Look for confusion in conversation, and proactively ask “Do you have questions as to why this decision was made?”
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3+ PEOPLE
When we define a team, clearly state the final decision maker
When decisions are being made in a meeting, make sure there is a clear decision maker, that everyone has been consulted or informed before the decision is set in motion.
Create an open dialogue for how decisions will be made when it comes to New Kind facing commitments
Ask, “What’s the criteria for making a decision?” “Who’s making it?”
Make sure everyone hears the same thing
Repeat back what you heard, and ask, “Is that what everyone else understands to?”
If the final decision-maker is not in the room, make sure they’re confident in those giving direction or reschedule the conversation
Speak with the decision-maker before the conversation if possible, and certainly afterwards. Agree on how they want to handle their absence, and how to move forward.
When a decision is made, clearly state how we’re all going to get there. Don’t move on until everyone understands what to expect.
Summarize the conversation with three parts: 1) Why we’re doing this; 1) What we’re doing; 3) What comes next
Decision making power should be rooted in shared goals
We’re always looking to ensure that decisions made, which happen continuously (100s a week), are all in alignment with the shared company and client goals. The only way to ensure this is to talk about when decisions are being made, to let people know when you’re making a decision.
