Decision Making & Workplace Meetings — Eleven Tips From The Book “How Google Works”
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In workplace meetings, arriving at the right decision and also on time is critical. The quality of the decisions determines the success of the business/company/career. Bad decisions can result in irreversible damages.
Let’s see what we can learn from “How Google Works” about Making Decisions in Workplace Meetings.
1.0 FOCUS ON ALL CRITICAL ELEMENTS
Most of us focus only on making the right decision. However, the decision-making process, the time available for the process, the timing of the decision, the timing of the implementation, and the way it is implemented are just as important as the decision itself. Jonathan Rosenberg and Eric Schmidt write, “If you blow up any of those critical elements, then the outcome will likely be negative. And since, there’s always another decision to be made, the impact of a poorly executed decision-making process can reverberate past that one issue.”
2.0 GIVE THE QUIET ONE’S A VOICE
In the movie “12 Angry Men”, in one of the scenes, the 12th juror says, “It’s just a quick thought. Can we each take up a minute or two and talk about the case?.”
Hearing this, the foreman agrees, “I think it’s a good one. Supposing we go once around the table?.” — Going around the table — Ensures that everyone gets an opportunity to talk.
Jonathan Rosenberg and Eric Schmidt write, “It is critically important that all of the members of the team be heard and have a vote.”
In workplace meetings, a leader’s job is to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of their functional role. Be especially aware of quiet people. They hesitate to question somebody or ideas publicly. Some might feel intimidated or fear retribution. Loud arguments and racy speeches cause discomfort and stop some introverts from opening up. Yet, those people will have important points/ideas/knowledge that can play a…