Quick Question: Who has the D?
Quick Question
Here is today's quick question for you...Who has the D?
If you’re familiar with the RAPID framework, you’ll know that the D is for Decide. I’ve seen so much time wasted, especially in cross-functional teams, because people are unsure who has the authority to make a decision. They don’t know who has the D.
Ask it when you're...
Establishing a cross-functional team - Understanding roles, responsibilities, and decision protocols up front will save you a lot of heartache down the track.
Feeling agitation among your colleagues - when frustrated by a lack of progress, team members will express, but may be unable to escape the vortex of indecision. This question may give them a path forward.
Making decisions with significant consequences - The weightier the decision, the greater the need for clarity on the D.
Listen for...
Try to listen for:
Misalignment - if team members are pursuing different paths in pursuit of a decision, this will help to create clarity
Overconfidence - if it looks like the wrong people are exerting decision-making authority, this can illuminate what’s happening and redirect the process
Big risk - if it sounds like there is significant or disproportionate risk in a decision, asking this question can highlight the need for escalation
Follow up with...
Sometimes, the greatest value comes from the one extra question you take the time to ask.
In this situation, you could try…
Is the D aware of their responsibility?
What else might the D need to know?
How does the D usually make decisions?
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