Decisions - An Event or a Process?

Decisions are usually either an event or a process.

When a decision is an event, it is simply announced and the expectation is it will be carried out without debate or discussion. The decision tends to be final.

When a decision is a process, discussion and debate are welcome and encouraged. Decisions are subject to change and adjustment.

When a decision is an event:

• Works well when immediate action is required or when the issues are clear cut.
• Can be bold and decisive.
• Can result in highly innovative decisions.
  
• Emphasis is on follow through rather than adjusting course.
  
• Consistent action is what is required.
• The letter rather than the spirit of the decision is rewarded.
• Accepting and implementing the decision is a sign of loyalty. Loyalty is rewarded and disloyalty punished.
  
• Those implementing the decision have low intrinsic motivation. Extrinsic motivation or rewards may be necessary to motivate action
• Debate is not welcome.
  

When a decision is a process:

• Buy-in from participants is very important.
• Intrinsic motivation tends to be high from participants.
• Decisions may be delayed while input is gathered.
• Decisions may change as more participants are engaged.
• Favorable results may be required early, to avoid reopening the decision.
  
• There may be confusion about what the decision is.
• Decisions may be timid as a result of compromises which attempts to satisfy all constituencies. Decision by committee.
• Group think may occur.
• Destructive rivalries may emerge as different groups jockey for a favorable outcome.
  

Note that in the above discussion, the correctness or wisdom of the decision is not that important. Its the way in which the decision is arrived at and announced that matters. This is a shocking statement to those readers who value the correctness of decisions.

Its very common for professional people (engineers, analysts, programmers) to debate decisions which are not in fact subject to further debate. This is a career mistake. Avoid it. Save your arguments for when you are asked for your input. In many organizations, you will only be asked for input, once you've demonstrated loyalty.

Some organizations never let their front line or mid level people inside the decision making process. If you work for such an organization, my advise is to rise quickly or get out quickly, otherwise your lack of access to decision making authority will likely drive you crazy if you have any ambition.