Unless proven wrong, they made the right decision.

Recently I found myself sitting around a table that involved a "hardy and dramatic" discussion about a business decision that had to be made — In the end, the decision did not go the way I had hoped. 

Experience has shown me that the decision making process is usually a mixture of "hardy and dramatic" discussion, facts and figures, tolerance to risk, gut feel, and a smidgen of "hope"... and it must lead to making an "actual decision"! It is always tough being on the wrong end of a decision because at the very least it can challenge your conviction or belief systems, and at the very most, challenge your livelihood. 

As I reflect back on the dynamics around the table, I thought I would share some thoughts:

• Although decisions are made based on facts and figures (data if you will), the ability to communicate the information is key. It is through effective communication that a clear understanding is created, pros and cons are weighed, and the risk of making the wrong decision is minimized. The phrase "being on the same page" comes to mind.
• The decision making process is different for everyone; how people process information, the speed in which a decision is made, tolerance to risk, or the circumstances involved for having to make the decision. It is important to understand the circumstances requiring a decision and how the people involved go about making their decisions — This way you can work within their "decision making comfort zone". My experience is when a person is outside their comfort zone, they will either delay the decision or default to saying, "No".
• Once a decision is made, you need to respect it... even when you disagree.
• You need to support the decision to the best of your ability once it's made. If you fundamentally cannot support the decision you need to be clear on your position; there may be consequences but you will be respected for it.
• The decisions made need to drive action. Even a wrong decision is preferable to a non-decision, or an endless process to try and make a decision. You can always "course correct" a wrong decision, but can't do much with a non-decision. 

As I look back at the decision made around the table, and although it didn't go my way, I do respect that it was made. I have also taken on an interesting perspective, "Unless proven wrong, they made the right decision".

So there you have it, I have made the decision to prove them wrong.

iamgpe