Decision Making

Decision Making Styles Directive Consultative Democratic Consensus Controlling Empowering

Decision Making Style Directive – Leader Decides Advantages -Quick -Easy Disadvantages -May not be the best answer -Lack of support for the decision Good examples for use -Emergencies -Support is not needed

Decision Making Style Directive – Consultative Advantages -Relatively fast -Additional ideas were considered Disadvantages -Still may not be the best answer -Lack of support for the decision Good examples for use -Limited time for making the decision

Decision Making Style Democratic – Majority Rules Advantages -Most people support -Everyone had equal consideration Disadvantages -May not be the best answer -Lack of support for the decision Good examples for use -Decision is not critical -Large numbers of people are involved

Decision Making Style Consensus – Everyone Will Support the Decision Advantages -Provides the best answer -Obtains the most support Disadvantages -Slow -Not easy Good examples for use -Critical decisions -When implementation could be difficult

Understanding Consensus Does not equate to 100% agreement Does equate to 100% support for the decision Every person on the team must be able to say that they have -Had a chance to speak -Has spoken -Has been heard

Keys for Reaching Consensus Contribute; do not defend Seek a win-win solution Actively listen to other people’s views Find out the reasons for other people’s views Do not agree for the sake of agreeing Avoid voting or averaging Confront your differences politely

Which Style Is Best? Directive Consultative Democratic Consensus

The Selection Process Each leadership team needs to determine which is best for them What I have found that most leadership determines is best is that it depends on the situation Decisions must be separated into two categories: major and minor Major decisions: Strive for consensus A back up style needs to identified in case the group cannot reach a decision Options would include that the leader decides or use the democratic process Minor decisions: which style is not critical