Do you wonder how to make decision-making more participatory?

Here are some basic things you need to learn before you decide how to share decision-making power as a leader.*

Trends in the leadership industry across books, publications, podcasts, training programs, and other types of learning formats show us that the topic of collaboration is in high demand. Leaders often want to practice participatory teamwork but do not understand how to do so transparently. I have seen this competency gap in both young and senior leaders again and again. So I launch this new blog with my stories of courage for change by sharing an essential knowledge bite – or as I like to call it, “knowgget” – with you.

One of my favorite evergreen publications and models shedding light on a basic misconstruction around leadership, decision-making, and the sharing of power stems from 1958 (sic! date of original publication): Tannenbaum and Schmidt‘s article on „How to choose a leadership pattern“ :

Their model takes a simple approach to guiding their readers, i.e., leaders with power for decision-making, along a continuum from highly boss-centered to highly employee-centered. The key indicators used to opt for one way of sharing power and the decision-making process over the other do not stem from company principles, fads, or cultural considerations. Instead, the guiding question here is what makes a quality decision outcome. 

Who has the expertise to make the best decision? And who (else) should help weigh arguments to increase the most likely best outcome based on current knowledge? After all, leading means deciding on undecidable questions (Heinz von Foerster) and inspiring the credibility (Aristotle’s ethos) that the chosen solution is the best in light of current knowledge. Leading is never following a precise, logical calculation.

Next time you invite a debate before deciding – alone or with others, think about how much consultancy you need to make this decision. Respectively, how much power should you share in this decision-making process to ensure a high-quality outcome?

*_{After deciding on the final title of this new blog, I have updated this post slightly.}