Are We Headed Towards Collective Decision Making in Leadership?

In the constant evolution of leadership, one question continues to emerge: Does the future of leadership rely on collective decision making? This concept is nothing new but has sparked debates across many boardrooms and throughout organizations. As we dive deeper, it’s essential that we distinguish between collaboration and true collective decision making, and to understand how each one of them impacts effective leadership.

The Fine Line Between Collaboration and Collective Decision Making

There’s a common misconception among some leaders that involving teams in decision making equates to collective decision making. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. When we include our teams in the decision making process, what we’re actually doing is collaborating. Collaboration is vital, but it’s not the same as handing over the reins of decision making entirely.

Not surprisingly, a 2018 Forbes article highlights the benefits of diverse decision making teams: “Teams with a wide age range of 25 years or more from youngest to oldest member exceeded expectations 73% of the time, compared to just 35% for teams with a narrower age range.” This isn’t about collective decision making, but rather the power of diverse perspectives in a collaborative environment.

The Pitfalls of True Collective Decision Making

True collective decision making in an organization can be a risky venture. When decisions are made collectively, without clear leadership, it can lead to a lack of direction and accountability. This lack of clear leadership often results in poor performance and can quickly foster a toxic culture.

Effective Leadership is Setting Goals and Boundaries

The role of a leader is not to abandon decision making but to set goals and boundaries. It’s about guiding our teams on ‘what’ needs to be achieved and ‘why’ but then collaborating with them on ‘how’ to get there. This approach ensures that everyone is involved in the process, while leadership continues to provide direction and, when necessary, redirection.

As we continue to expand on remote work and a global economy, effective leadership in the future will be even more dependent on collaboration than it is today and, not just within teams but across the entire organization. This means breaking down silos, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and leveraging the diverse skills and experiences of team members regardless of where they are physically in the world.

Final Thoughts

The responsibility of leaders today and well in the future will be to develop and guide our teams. While leaders must set the goals and boundaries, it’s through collaboration with teams that the pathway to achieve those goals is often determined. This approach not only achieves objectives but also develops a culture of involvement, innovation, and shared success.

Let’s remember, the future of leadership is not about shifting to collective decision making but about embracing a collaborative approach that values diverse inputs while maintaining clear leadership and direction. As we navigate this path, our aim is to harness the collective brainpower of our teams while steering the ship towards the goals of our organization.

That’s it for today.

See you all again next week!

Dave