From everyday delegation to strategic, company-wide moves that shape an organization’s future, every leader faces the challenge of decision-making. Well-informed and timely decision-making is an essential task for leaders and often shapes the success and trajectory of not only the leader, but the team and organization as a whole.
Explore three steps a leader can use to make decisions in alignment with the team:
Navigating the challenges of team decision-making is a hallmark of effective leadership. The Leadership Challenge® model, The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership based on the book with the same name by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, offers guidance to help leaders involve their constituents so that they will achieve better results.
Effective team decisions can be achieved and improved upon by setting a foundation of openness, gathering diverse perspectives, and implementing changes swiftly and confidently.
Step 1: Setting the Foundation with Values
Before making decisions, a leader can foster trust and collaboration by establishing shared values within the team. The path forward becomes clearer after creating an agreement on what matters most. This is presented by Kouzes and Posner in the practice of “Model the Way,” the act of authentically embracing and displaying your values to those around you. For example, if a leader establishes collaboration is a core value, involving everyone in the implementation process becomes a natural expectation.
Step 2: Gathering Diverse Points of View
Diverse perspectives in a team environment are critical elements of making insightful decisions. Embracing the practice of "Challenging the Process," leaders can create a safe space where team members feel comfortable sharing unconventional ideas. Brainstorming sessions are a great way to encourage open exchanges of ideas that are free from judgment. A leader who values team members' viewpoints is more likely to foster collaboration and trust. With this, leaders can guide the team toward an inclusive decision that incorporates everyone's input.
Step 3: Implementing A Decision with Confidence
A consensus decision leads to mutual support of an idea amongst team members. It is important to note that not all team members may fully agree with the final decision, but they can support it knowing that their perspectives and comments were taken into consideration by the leader and team. By embracing the practice of "Enable Others to Act," leaders empower team members, increasing their commitment to confidently carry out the decision.
As exhibited in The Leadership Challenge® model, engaged and included employees are willing to go above and beyond in their roles. Leaders who prioritize their team’s opinions and support consensus decision-making are likely to create positive outcomes and sustainable agreements. Improved decisions, facilitated by smoother teamwork, ultimately benefit the entire team and contribute to overall success. By involving team members and aligning decisions with shared values, leaders can enhance their leadership effectiveness and pave the way for a more united and accomplished organization.
At FlashPoint we offer a variety of professional development solutions that can be facilitated with your team, department, or individually. For more information about our latest upcoming Open Enrollment The Leadership Challenge, visit our events page.