Page 209 - 4- Leading_from_Within

responsibility for the decision. Remember that it is not always those
making the decision who have to assume responsibility for it. Is it an
individual, a group, or an organization? This is a key question because the
degree to which responsibility for a decision is shared can greatly influence

how much risk people are willing to take.

If the decision-making is for the workplace, then it is helpful to consider
the structure of the organization. Is the individual responsible for the
decisions he or she makes or does the organization hold ultimate
responsibility? Who has to carry out the course of action decided? Who will

it affect if something goes wrong? Is there a willingness to take
responsibility for a mistake?

Finally, it is important to know who can actually make the decision? When
helping a friend, colleague or client to reach a decision, in most
circumstances the final decision and responsibility will be taken by them.

Whenever possible with respect to an important decision for the
organization, it is better to come to a formal agreement as to who is
responsible for a decision, especially if it isn’t obvious.

It may also be important to determine what method will be used to make
the decision. Will there need to be a consensus, where everyone must be

able to live with and support the decision? Will it be a majority vote? And
so forth.

3. Listing possible solutions/options

In order to come up with a list of all the possible solutions and/or options
available it is usually appropriate to work on a group (or individual)
problem-solving process. This process, could include brainstorming or

some other 'idea generating' process.

This stage is important to the overall decision-making processes as a
decision will be made from a selection of choices. Always remember to
consider the possibility of not making a decision or doing nothing, and be
aware that both options are actually potential solutions in themselves.

One of the decision-making mistakes that is commonly made is to create a

David Kolzow 209