Eight ways to decide
Different decisions deserve different ways of deciding.
- 01AutocraticI decide.
One person makes the decision.
- 02DelegationYou decide.
Give another person explicit authority to make the decision.
- 03ConsultativeI decide, with input.
One person retains the final decision but deliberately gathers advice before making it.
- 04DemocraticMajority rules.
Present a clear set of choices and let the group vote.
- 05ConsensusEveryone agrees.
The group keeps shaping the decision until everyone can support the final choice.
- 06ConsentNo one has a serious objection.
Consensus asks: “Can everyone agree?”
- 07StochasticLet chance decide.
Sometimes analysis cannot meaningfully distinguish between several acceptable options.
- 08WaitDon't decide yet.
Sometimes uncertainty is so high that making a decision now does not improve the situation.