Decision Making Styles to Avoid

About 2 weeks ago I posted on my blog about decision making styles from Mervin Charles. Well, partly because I got, busy and partly because it is really indicting, I failed to post the 5 styles to avoid. They are profoundly interesting to look at because you may just see yourself somewhere here. As a reminder, the 4 decision making styles that were presented were:

1. Telling
2. Seeking Counsel
3. Seeking Consensus
   
4. Delegation

Now, here are the 5 unhealthy decision making styles to avoid:

Bossing:

· Leader makes a decision.

· Leader instructs and informs others about the decision that has been made, but in a way that is rude, impolite, angry, and/or insensitive to those being addressed.

· This is security through control.

Selling:

· Leader makes an individual decision.

· Leader avoids possible criticism for using the telling style and insulates himself/ herself against negative reaction.

· Leader invites counsel, or appears to use a consensus style, then persuades the other person(s) toward the decision that has already been made in his/her heart.

· The leader deciding rarely recognizes internally, much less acknowledges to others, that the seeking of counsel or consensus was superficial.

· Leader may desire a goal but is not willing to shoulder the responsibility.

Perceived Consensus:

· A group of people agree to decide by consensus.

· Instead of actively listening and sharing until they mutually affirm what best describes the convictions of the group, one or a few strong people actually determine outcome.

· Everyone acts like the group decided.

· If accountability for the decision is needed, typically it is seen that the entire group decided.

· Strong underlying influencers may prefer power without the identification or accountability.

Over Management:

· A leader assigns a responsibility to another person, but often:

o does not release authority equal to the responsibility

o intrudes in a normal, healthy decision-making process

o checks on even minor details

o does not express approval

· The assignment typically does not include:

o a clear description of the authorization being given

o a clear definition of the financial resources available

o standards and ways to report back about meeting the standards.

· The leader may fear letting go or consider the task so important that no one else can do it.

Abdication:

· A leader assigns a responsibility to another person, but does not:

o maintain communication

o release authority to make a decision

o provide assistance and appropriate accountability

· The assignment typically does not include:

o a clear description of the assignment

o starting and completion dates

o standards and ways to report back about meeting the standards.

· The leader may want the job done without the work or may want to keep insulated from criticism.