Whisper #7
I propose X. Anyone disagree?
Something to think about
Work is often a lowest-common-denominator (LCD) setting, where we all adjust our thinking and behaviors (consciously or subconsciously) to meet others where they are.
When it comes to decision-making, LCD can tank decision efficiency as it seeks to find consensus amongst a group of people who have different thought patterns and incentives in the situation.
If you're the one with the most at stake, it behooves you to cut through LCD thinking and get to a strong decision, faster.
Something to try
In your next meeting where you notice the group approaching decision-making with a consensus-driven approach, shift into a different decision style, perhaps try:
Delegating (“Shauna has the most at stake here, I vote that we nominate her to propose the next steps.”)
Telling (“I propose X. Anyone disagree?”)
Consulting (“Keshav, your team was the most recent one to interact with this vendor. What do you think we should do?”)
Observe the result.
💌 When you try this out, share your experience in the comments.
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Love this addition Arturo! Thank you.
The other option is to “punt”. “Seems like we don’t have all the information. What else do we need to make a better decision? When could we have it by? Alright, let’s meet in ___ days and make the decision then. “