Lack of consensus is not an excuse for failing to make a decision
In business, it’s often important to reach a consensus before making a decision. This can be especially true when there are multiple stakeholders involved, or when the decision has a significant impact on the company. However, there are times when it’s not possible to reach a consensus, and in those cases, it’s important to make a decision anyway.
There are a few reasons why it’s important to make a decision even if there’s no consensus. First, waiting for consensus can lead to inaction, which can be costly for the company. Second, if there’s no decision, it can create uncertainty and confusion among employees, which can lead to decreased productivity. Third, if there’s no decision, it can leave the company vulnerable to competitors who are willing to make a move.
Of course, making a decision without consensus can be difficult. It’s important to weigh all of the options carefully and to consider the input of all stakeholders. However, it’s also important to remember that not making a decision is not an option.
How to Make Decisions Without Consensus
Here are a few tips for making decisions in the absence of consensus:
- Gather all of the information – This includes both the pros and cons of each option, as well as the input of all stakeholders.
- Consider the long-term implications of each option – Don’t just focus on the short-term benefits or drawbacks.
- Be willing to compromise – Sometimes, the best decision is not the one that everyone agrees on, but the one that is the most feasible or beneficial for the company.
- Be transparent with your decision-making process – Explain to employees why you made the decision you did, and how their input was considered.
Making decisions in the absence of consensus can be challenging, but it’s an important skill for any business leader. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions that are in the best interests of your company.
Bonus Hiring Tips
When hiring new employees, it’s important to find people who are comfortable with ambiguity and who are able to make decisions in the absence of consensus. These are the types of employees who will be able to think critically and solve problems effectively.
Here are a few questions you can ask during interviews to assess a candidate’s ability to make decisions:
- Tell me about a time when you had to make a decision without all of the information. How did you handle the situation?
- What is your approach to decision-making? Do you prefer to gather all of the information first, or do you like to make decisions quickly?
- How do you handle conflict when there is no clear consensus?
By asking these questions, you can get a better sense of how a candidate would handle decision-making in the real world.
