Cynthia,
Nicely done. Involving people involved operationally in executing upon a decision is a good practice where it is possible. Not only do they have better buy-in but also likely will provide insights that well help make a more informed decision. Do you have an example of a decision you have made recently where you included these elements in the decision making process?
I think that an effective and successful decision has to involve the people that are directly affected so that they will be more willing to help implement the decision and less likely to oppose it. The decision should be made with ethics and profitability in mind, and also benefiting the majority of the people affected.
Jesus,
Do you have a good example of an effective (or ineffective) decision making process you have experienced recently?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
I agree with many of the other posts. An effective and successful decision follows a detailed process to gather information, evaluate the data gathered, prioritize goals, create action steps based on the priorities, ad implement the steps. This decision making process will be successful if it's inclusive and gathers information from multi-functional teams.
Henry ,
I think you have identified a real important point. Involving people at various levels in the decision making process often results in very sound decisions. Folks closest to students tend to have a keen understanding that is often overlooked. Do you have an example you can share of a time you have done this?
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Being decisive when making a decision after all signicant team member have added their input. If someone makes a hasty decision before consultation with key team member then they have displayed a lack of judgment and should not be observed as a productive leader. Individuals who value their entry level employees will learn immeasurable knowledge about the functionality of their organization. Employee make organization viable leader are solely there to steer and corral that which is all ready working smoothly.
Joseph,
Another good point. Keeping in mind the realities of the impact a decision will have when implemented is critically important.
Dr. Blake Faulkner
Michael,
Iinvolving key constituates that will be impacted is essential for purposes of enhancing buy in and arriving at best decision possible. Nicely done!
Dr. Blake Faulkner
I would agree with Mike, a group effort with all the facts presented and final outcomes discussed represent a great learning environment. A thought to carry forward during this process is begin with the end in mind.
I believe a successful and effective decision comes from a collaborated effort that takes into account all the key components along with the input from the group that will most impact from the decision.
Margarita,
I think you have hit on a really important point. Understanding the "why" behind a decision tends to create greater buy in from those involved in the decision making process who have to carry it out. Even though the decision may not completely represent each persons individual preferences,the collaborative process provides them with an understanding of why you came to the decision. If you have an example you could share I would love to hear it and I am sure it would be helpful to others in the course. Nice work.
Dr. Blake Faulkner
I always felt my most successful decisions were those where my staff was not only able to express their ideas and concerns via primarily advocacy of their positions, but more importantly that members involved in the decision making process understood true rationale behind my decision, and the factors that affected it.
Allison,
Good point. What is often lost in the decision making process is what objective are we trying to acheive. Command and control organizations tend to not get appropriate input into decision making processes and collaborative organizational cultures sometimes compromise the primary objective in order to gain consensus. The sweet spot tends to be in the middle where collaboration occurs to get inputs from all appropriate parties but ensuring that in the end the decision facilitates the objective being acheived.
Dave,
In regards to a process change, how do you best come to an effective decision with a group of people from different functional areas and different viewpoints?
Dr. Faulkner
It really depends on the situation but if you talking about a process change, I feel the best way is to decide as a group
I think an effective and successful decision includes representatives for all parties impacted by it for starters. Basing the decision on input that is weighed through the correct processes as described in this lesson. Clear communication afterwards with follow through makes it successful.
A decision that is carefully and thoughtfully made is usually effective and successful. In order to do so, one needs to learn the miriad of processes that can be used for each situation...in effect giving the person or team the ability to create, taylor and execute the best possible process for a solution.
It is only successful if the decision has effectively made the impact that was desired!
Priscilla,
Hope you are enjoying the course. I think getting to the root cause of a problem is essential to making an effective decision and this decision making process helps you to get there more consistently. Can you think of any examples where you could have made a better decision using this process or alternatively provide an example of where you have made a good decision and the process you used to come to that decision?
Dr. Faulkner
Based on what I have learned from this course that making an effective and successful decison is to learn the process first. Once you have learned this process you then put this into motion by taking the time to identify and assess the issues related to making the decision. You should also involve other parties that will help add to the process of the the final decision.
Pamela,
I think that putting students at the center of our decision making in higher ed is what really seperates outstanding, sustainable institutions whether they are proprietary, non-profit private or public. I think you are correct that at times some institutions loose sight of this and forget to consider the impact of decisions on students. We all have tough decisions to make to ensure our instituions remain fiscally viable and work within budgets. To not make these tough decisions can risk the institutions ability to serve students effectively in the future. However, institutions that remain committed to the core values of quality instruction and service to students, and hold these priorities during both good and bad fiscal times, are the ones that typically prevail over the long term. Although there are many things to consider when managing budgets and making difficult decisions I have always appreciated the voices in the room that remind folks what impact decisions under consideration will have on students. What is your current position at your school?
