I learned a lesson while interviewing recently, when asked about "a time when..." I had to make an important decision, I had a hard time explaining my reasoning, although it was the right decision in this case, I found it a good exercise to go back in my career and evaluate some decisions and challenge myself to think about what experiences or data did I have to make it.
This is a great article, and like Vernon I think the “Mistakes and Fear” section cuts to the heart of the problem. People who are afraid of decisions tend to overweight process vs judgment. There is nothing wrong with processes, they are essential for any large organization, but all too often organizations will fall into the trap of thinking that if some process is good, more must be better. At that point, process takes over, judgment is devalued, and the result is mediocrity. This is the Petri dish in which sign-off culture thrives.
I learned a lesson while interviewing recently, when asked about "a time when..." I had to make an important decision, I had a hard time explaining my reasoning, although it was the right decision in this case, I found it a good exercise to go back in my career and evaluate some decisions and challenge myself to think about what experiences or data did I have to make it.
Great post, thanks for sharing
This is a great article, and like Vernon I think the “Mistakes and Fear” section cuts to the heart of the problem. People who are afraid of decisions tend to overweight process vs judgment. There is nothing wrong with processes, they are essential for any large organization, but all too often organizations will fall into the trap of thinking that if some process is good, more must be better. At that point, process takes over, judgment is devalued, and the result is mediocrity. This is the Petri dish in which sign-off culture thrives.
I loved this post (as per!), particularly the "Mistakes and Fear" section. I've seen a lot of that over the years too.
How have you built enough trust with people/teams so they feel comfortable taking on more decision-making responsibility?