Have you ever thought about how decisions are really being made inside an organization? Here are some myths about making decisions.
Myths about making decisions
- Myth: Making good decisions is hard
Fact: Implementing them is hard. Your team must completely understand your decision and fully commit to it. Lack of understanding results in blind obedience and lousy implementation. Lack of commitment takes away the team’s energy.
- Myth: The CEO makes decisions on their own
Fact: CEOs, unfortunately, take responsibility for failed decisions, but in order to make them, they have to ask for opinions from many sources. They don’t decide at a negotiation table – but anywhere, such as the hallway or lunch.
The decisions are made by different individuals at many organizational levels. Many actions are taken by persons who are oblivious to an essential business decision and only work for their individual goals. Some goals can be social, political, and organizational. Some are looking at their own interests, and some interests are shared.
- Myth: Decision making is a rational, analytical process
Fact: Leaders usually act intuitively and don’t rationally “decide” until later, and then only to justify their impulses. This process usually isn’t linear from the decision to action, but often, it can go back and forth.
Social connections and a sense of belonging are also important. Key decisions are emotionally and socially based. Our natural need for belonging affects our decision making. You will usually know how some people will vote before they even speak. As a result, the main factors are relationships and tribes.
- Myth: Managers make decisions based on information
Fact: social and emotional factors, such as corporate culture or leadership styles, lead to decisions. The emotional involvement often creates biases. Unwritten social rules divide people and stop the organization from changing. Leaders who manage by fear don’t want to hear unpleasant details. These factors can mean that crucial information is omitted.
- Myth: Decisions are made in the office or in a staff meeting
Fact: In reality, decisions are usually made offline in places such as golfing, lunch, hallways, or some other social gathering. This is why some organizations asking for a change don’t see results. You’re probably thinking, “What about our staff meetings?” That’s the point. Formal meetings are held in many companies, yet it is not usually the place to discuss a critical decision. It is only the forum to verify the decision that has already been made.
- Myth: Managers decide and then go act
Fact: This seems correct at first glance, but actually, there are many iterations before that decision. Later, the vision creates a challenge for the team, and new concepts are developed by the team. Over time solutions still evolve. Managers will make sense of it, then act and act again. This process is not linear.
Discover the best way to make decisions, consistently connect with your leadership team, and predictably turn them into highly engaged employees. Call me for some complimentary advice. Book an appointment at https://go.oncehub.com/GregNichvalodoff or call me at +1 (604) 943-0800.
