Eight ways to decide.

One person makes the decision.

Best whenA decision has to happen quickly. You possess the relevant information.

Give another person explicit authority to make the decision.

Best whenOne person has unusually strong information or expertise. The decision can happen within clear boundaries.

One person retains the final decision but deliberately gathers advice before making it.

Best whenYou need expertise you don't possess. Different stakeholders see different parts of the problem.

Present a clear set of choices and let the group vote.

Best whenThe choices are clear. Voters understand the alternatives.

The group keeps shaping the decision until everyone can support the final choice.

Best whenThe decision affects everyone substantially. Implementation depends heavily on commitment.

Consensus asks: “Can everyone agree?”

Best whenYou need broad participation but don't have time for consensus. A proposal already exists.

Sometimes analysis cannot meaningfully distinguish between several acceptable options.

Best whenStakes are low. All options are acceptable.

Sometimes uncertainty is so high that making a decision now does not improve the situation.

Best whenUncertainty is unusually high. Consequences are difficult to predict.