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Rule #3: Identify subjects NOT related to specific discussion topic. Why It Is Important:It keeps
discussion focused on specific topic. Ramifications if You Don’t:Time and energy is wasted on unrelated issues and are possible landmines upsetting specific outcome of session. How To Do It:Prior to meeting, identify important issues and non-issues relating specifically to topic.
Rule #4: Use permission meter. Why It Is Important:Encourages participants to challenge assumptions, resulting in bold fresh new ideas. Ramifications if You Don’t:Participants are analyzed - not ideas. How To Do It:Establish a new dynamic style of thinking on a 1 – 10 scale from brainstorming to analytical to planning styles.
Rule #5 Invite only essential personnel in strategy discussions. Why It Is Important: Gets issues on table fast and encourages cross-functional teams to find solutions at outset. Ramifications if You Don’t:Avoids “silo” decision-making as well as loading session with non-essential personnel. How To Do It:Know how company works and who is responsible for what.
Rule #6: Compile Background Information. Why It Is Important:Gets all participants on same page without using valuable meeting time. Ramifications if You Don’t:The stated purpose is not fulfilled because time is wasted bringing everyone up to speed. How To Do It:Before meeting, distribute background information necessary to move discussion forward with velocity.
Rule #7: Develop a well thought-out communication plan. Why It Is Important:It ensures all essential personnel have information they need to be successful. Ramifications if You Don’t:All personnel not properly informed will not be in sync with original decisions. How To Do It:Determine what specific messages are delivered to whom; who needs to know; who will tell them; how they will be told; and by when.
Take a careful look at how your company is making decisions!
When effective decision-making flourishes you get on track towards successfully and effectively achieving your company’s vision.
In conclusion, if you follow these 7 golden rules, you will achieve success in ways you never dreamed possible. The key is to instill a reliable and consistent corporate decision-making process to get results like Toyota.
Marney Kaye is a Business Growth Specialist and provides a systematic, step-by-step process designed to develop growth strategies leading clients to take their rightful place in a dynamic and demanding marketplace. Clients who have shown interest in this process include marketers, analysts, heads of start-ups, management consultants, researchers, VCs, journalists, business development directors, trend watchers, and anyone else interested in staying on top of optimal decision-making. With offices outside Toronto, ON and Orlando, FL, Ms. Kaye can be reached at 905-873-6240 or 321-214-9231 www.busgrowth.com; mkaye@busgrowth.com
Marney Kaye is a Business Growth Specialist and provides a systematic, step-by-step process designed to develop growth strategies leading clients to take their rightful place in a dynamic and demanding marketplace.
