1. Collaborative Decision Making Junior League of Savannah

2. Why Use Collaborative Decision Making Achieve a balance of ownership and productivity We achieve the greatest ownership when everyone is aware of all the information and participates in all decisions Enhanced productivity By enhancing members’ roles in governance and decision making, buy-in to implementation and outcomes will be strengthened Gives members responsibility for achieving change A good decision-making process can help minimize fall-out from even a bad decision and fosters collective ownership for learning and moving on; a bad decision making process may lead to sabotage of even a good decision Reinforces organizational values by promoting fairness, honest, and inclusion Ensures all members have an opportunity to participate in decision making Improves communication through the organizational structure Stimulates creativity All resources are tapped, so new idea can be aired and discussed and existing programs or policies can be improved

3. Steps Toward Collaborative Decision Making Analyze the Question Define the issue (what are we trying to do, solve, or address here) Identify key stakeholders (who is going to be impacted by this decision, who needs to be involved, who has the expertise we need) Develop a Strategy Which decision making process will be used (reviewed on upcoming slides) Manage Expectations & Set the Tone Explain the decision making process (why did you chose the decision making style you chose) Clarify stakeholders’ role(s) in the process (at what level will their input be used, why should they commit to the process, what is expected of them, are their any limits to their participation)

4. Steps Toward Collaborative Decision Making Collect Input & Validate Stakeholders Gather information (do you have all the facts, have all opinions been heard, are their areas of agreement) Build relationships (show stakeholders that you value them, monitor participation, create means for feedback) Communicate Results Report back to those who provided input (what is the final outcome) Offer an explanation for the decision

5. Steps Toward Collaborative Decision Making Implement the Decision Communicate what’s happening Answer concerns non-defensively (be open to receiving feedback) Seek Feedback Find out how others experienced: The decision itself The decision making process How can we improve the process next time?

6. Decision Making Types Majority Vote Quick and efficient People already know the various issues and perspectives Outcome will not have a significant adverse impact on the losing side Need for a fast, participatory decision Unanimity Strong buy in Stakes are high Building community Need for complete endorsement or you want to send a message that no one will be left out or left behind

7. Decision Making Types Consensus Building Includes everyone’s ideas Decision has high level of impact on each stakeholder “Deep change” issues People feel empowered to speak their opinions Organization can tolerate dissention and disagreement Decision can be contemplated beforehand Committee Allows for delegation Need for diverse points of view Want to empower stakeholders Multiple decisions need to be made simultaneously Fosters relationships Need to delegate responsiblity

8. Decision Making Types Autonomous Extremely efficient You are the only person affected by the decision Need to protect privacy Issues are of low level importance

10. Allow my preconceived notions to dictate the decisions

11. Act out of anger or fear

12. Fix a symptom but miss the underlying issue

13. Hard to undo the consequences

15. Sources of Information Collaborative Decision-Making: A tool for Effective Leadership (Karp Consulting Group) Collaborative Decision-Making (Center for Collaborative Planning)