Is your team decision-driven?

The One Minute Manager author and management expert, Ken Blanchard defines high performing organizations as "enterprises that over time continue to produce outstanding results with the highest level of human satisfaction and commitment to success."

Simply, your organization is high performing if its excellence stands the test of time.

Fundamental to 'passing' this test of time is your people's ability to make good decisions and as a team, make them happen quickly.

Here are seven questions that can double up as go-to checklists to beef up your organizations decision making capability:

(1) Are the decisions crucial to building value in the business?

The principle behind is this: Some decisions matter more than others. It can be a big strategic decision or a day-to-day operational decision, but this decision should always be connected to what sustainable value you aim to deliver to your stakeholders.

(2) Is there guaranteed action after the decision?

The principle behind is this: Consensus is an obstacle to action; the focus should be on buy in. Buy in allows the decision to be implemented and not put on the back burner.

(3) Is there clear accountability to deliver on the decision?

The principle behind is this: Clarity brings authority. Double-mindedness leads to failure. As a leader, ensure clear accountability by knowing who contributes the input, who makes the decision, and who carries it out.

(4) Has your team developed a higher metabolism for complex decisions?

The principle behind is this: Higher metabolism results from lean muscles. For a world-class athlete, higher metabolism means speed, adaptability and leanness. As a leader, create a lean environment to come together quickly and efficiently to act on opportunities and overcome obstacles.

(5) Is your focus more on decision roles, than organizational seniority?

The principle behind is this: Wisdom is no respecter of persons. Involve the right people at the right level in the right part of the organization at the right time.

(6) Is there a well-aligned decision process?

The principle behind is this: Winning sustainably is a combination of form and merit. Reinforce the right approach to decision making through measures and incentives, information flows, and culture.

(7) Do you model the right approach?

The principle behind is this: You can teach your team anything, but they only follow who you are. Be an ambassador of the process as you involve the people who will live with the new decision roles in designing them. Your decision behaviors will motivate your team to follow suit.

The most successful companies use simple tools, founded on basic principles, to help them recognize potential bottlenecks and think through decision roles and responsibilities with each change in the business environment.

Upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning are core to helping your team make the best decisions in the current business environment.

Sources:

Blanchard, Ken (2013). Leadership Leadership and the One Minute Manager. William Morrow and Company.

Rogers, Paul and Marcia Blenko (2011). "Who Has the D? How Clear Decisions Roles Enhance Organizational Performance." Making Smart Decisions. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation.