I spoke with a client about a new project. He said he wanted to work with us but needed to have a process created that would allow that decision to be supported internally. As an entrepreneur, I bristled and asked, "Can you make the decision or do you need to take a vote?". He said, "Of course I can make the decision. I just wanted to be inclusive. I want collaboration."
I understood him. He wanted everyone happy, working together and in complete agreement. I asked, "Why not cut to the chase, take the lead, and make the decision?". He did.
We then spent the time collaborating with his team on the project, not wasting time on a fruitless process.
Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com
Thursday, September 6, 2012
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When I was reading your post, I couldn't help but think about what would happen if I allowed inclusion for all of my decision-making for my Fort Wayne, IN store. I have to say that it would be pretty disastrous. Any good leader will seek advice and think of other people, but in the end, he or she has to make the decision. Otherwise, gridlock will certainly ensue. Just take a look at Congress.
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