Making decisions as a group is a key part of execution in a business. Group decision making is tricky because it implies Group Reasoning, which can be powerful but fraught with bias. There are clear Patterns in Group Decision Making and how a decision is reached. When making a group decision the responsibility must be collective1.
Aligning on a decision or resolving a methodological dispute
The âGoal-Problem-Solutionsâ framework is used to build alignment in a group. Itâs particularly useful when there is a dispute on how to solve a problem. You focus first on what the goal is. When there is alignment on the goal you move to the problem(s). When the parties agree on the problems, then you can discuss solutions. This method is useful for clarifying the discussion around solutions which is typically where people start and have the most investment (âMy idea is the bestâ). The method is sequential, and you should not jump to problems or solutions before solving the prior step(s). When smart people cannot agree on a solution its usually because they are not agreed on the goal or problem being solved2.
Rules of thumb for group decision making
When an important decision is needed, aim for a 3-5 people, with a heterogenous make up1. When work is rote and structured, a homogenous group will out perform a heterogenous one1. Appoint a strategic dissenter to play devils advocate1. Collect opinions individually and anonymously and then aggregate to avoid biases1. Experts can distort the groupâs decision, make sure their opinion is framed on a particular topic and positioned correctly for the group to avoid this1.
Costs per reasonable decision
1. Emmerling, T. & Rooders, D. 7 Strategies for Better Group Decision-Making. Harvard Business Review (2020).
2. SaaSy, S. Goals, Problems, Solutions. Stay SaaSy (2021).