Decision-Making Best Practice 9 – Never Let It Go Without Saying

Everyone has a collection of thoughts that are almost automatically acted upon under a given set of circumstances or in response to a specific type of event. Reflective of our beliefs and values, these actions occur naturally as if by reflex. Sometimes these thoughts and behaviors are so shaped by our values we don’t give a ‘second thought’ to acting on them; in fact, we may unconsciously believe others who generally share our convictions will act similarly. We believe ‘it goes without saying’ that these actions will occur.[wcm_restrict plans=”49274, 25542, 25653″]

No two people will share the exact same values. Similarly, no two people will perceive a given situation in the same way. Our unique life experiences and personal circumstances ensure we are different; and in being different, what comes naturally to one person will never be exactly the same for another. Thus, nothing can be left unsaid if consistent, predictable decision execution is to be achieved.

Well executed decisions require all team members share a common understanding of the situation and actions to be taken. This ensures each team member or group not only executes their part in a predictable manner but that they can also readily recognize deviations from plan and alert the appropriate parties. Common understanding occurs when all expected actions are communicated. Assuming some actions will be automatically taken because they ‘go without saying’ places the entire decision outcome at risk because no two team members can be expected to act in the same way – the optimal actions may not be taken.

Stating ‘that which should go without saying’ offers decision-makers:

• a timeline against which to assess the decision’s implementation progress
• a list of activities against which performance measures can be defined
• a framework against which to assess the ongoing effectiveness of a particular decision execution task or group of tasks
• a defined foundation on which to thoroughly assess the overall effectiveness of the selected decision option
• confidence their desired activities will be performed in the manner wanted
• reassurance that team members will be able to recognize and respond to undesired outcomes and unexpected changes in circumstances
• the ability to hold team members accountable for quality performance of assigned tasks

Final Thoughts…

Saying those things ‘that go without saying’ is about open communication and trust. Decision-making team members must possess a sense of safety in the work environment in order to open up in a way that reveals their inner values and perspectives that may, at times, be counter to those of the group. No one should ever be put down for offering a ‘goes without saying’ point. Fostering this type of trusting environment and practice will inevitably lead to the discovery of options and risks that would not have otherwise been considered.[/wcm_restrict][wcm_nonmember plans=”49274, 25542, 25653″]

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