While the solution is easy, the reality is not. Inviting everyone affected by every decision could create a workweek of nothing but meetings. With 28 people around the table. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a table big enough.
So, we need to listen, but we can’t invite everyone to contribute. Hence the tension.
How can you solve this? Let me give you a 7-step system:
1. Plan EARLY.
If you’re constantly experiencing the tyranny of the urgent, you’ll never be far enough ahead to engage the voices that should be heard. From my church example, planning Christmas service times in late November doesn’t give me enough time to listen throughout the organization. Most decision processes can begin earlier. So start earlier.
2. Listen Throughout the Organization.
Not every decision must engage the entire staff team, but many should. If you create some decision-making margin, you’ll have time to decide what decisions need more input.
To decide who should contribute to a decision, ask yourself this simple question: Who will implement this decision?
When you ask this question, broaden your answer enough to involve everyone who should be involved.
In my church example, this means not just the preschool department but the service planning department, the guest services team, and several more people.
3. Bring Information to the Table.
You cannot invite everyone to the decision, but you can bring their feedback to the table. When you ask for wisdom and seek feedback, you can bring better data to the decision table.
With this information, don’t make a final decision just yet, though. First, make a preliminary decision, then…
4. Revisit With Your Stakeholders.
Take your preliminary decision back to those expected to implement it and get their feedback again. With a preliminary decision in hand, ask everyone if they see any issues or problems with this decision.
This is important: Just because they see an issue doesn’t mean the decision must be altered. At times, it should, but there are other instances where one team’s or one leader’s myopic view isn’t holistic enough to understand all of the ramifications around the decision. That’s okay. The point is they were heard and have an opportunity to be heard again.
