Decisions Made by a Group Are Suspect

Published: Aug 13, 2004

Application

Someone once said a group decision is as bad or worse than no decision. Well, not always but often enough to prompt us to view group decisions with suspicion.

Groups are susceptible to all sorts of dangers.

Group Think where social dynamics are more important than logical problem solving.
Dominating egomaniacs who just enjoy bossing people around when they haven't a clue of which way is up.
Hidden agendas that remain cleverly concealed.
Lack of a coordinator skilled at resolving differences.
Decisions made for all the wrong reasons.

If you must form a group to reach a decision here are some suggestions:

Verify the qualifications or reasons for each person being in the group.
- Could some people be consulted, seemingly in the loop yet isolated from the actual decision process?
- Rather than seeking a consensual decision, have one or two persons use a consultative process.
Substitute the word "committee" with "task force" to set a no-nonsense attitude.
Reduce costly face-to-face meetings.

Bureaucracies prefer making group decisions. Does this explain anything?

No wonder someone was prompted to say, "A camel is a horse designed by a committee."

Stories

Stories from members will add great value to these maxims

Please post your story by emailing it to max@unclemaxsays.com.

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Outcomes

Exercise more discrimination in decision making processes.
Assemble fewer committees.
Decision quality improves.
Decision making becomes more productive.

Decisions Made by a Group Are Suspect

Application

Stories

Outcomes

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