One of the many knife-edges on which managers must balance is listening to others while acting decisively. Our responsibility is to make decisions at the right moment, and we know that more valuable results come from good consultations. Everything comes from gauging when the time/benefit ratio is zero, i.e., the time spent is no longer improving the outcome
No Time Left
Good management requires that sufficient consultation time should be allocated before a decision must be taken. Knowledge and intuition help us recognize the moment decisiveness will be needed. Experience develops the skill of knowing how much time is “sufficient”. After any failure, take notes about factors that might have caused time to run out prematurely.
If a situation develops quickly, there may be time only to check-in with a couple of colleagues, staff or senior managers. Beware, however, of letting ordinary matters drift so long they become one of these emergencies.
If a situation develops quickly, there may be time only to check-in with a couple of colleagues, staff or senior managers. Beware, however, of letting ordinary matters drift so long they become one of these emergencies.
No New Ideas
Even in an ideal world, infinite amounts of time for consultation will not improve decisions. At some point, the input and feedback provide no new ideas or opinions. Signs of this stage are slightly-revised repetitive comments, unexpected reversing of previous opinions, reduced participation by innovative staff, and even boredom. Sum up the views for yourself, consider the key issues, make and announce the decision, thank participants, and move ahead with implementation.
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