Using the Vroom Yetton Model to Make Decisions

Some managers have a process for making decisions.  Others flip a coin.  This week the Wily Manager guys talk about contingent decision-making based on the Vroom-Yetton model that challenges managers to consider their situation and choose a style of decision making.

Monday’s Tip: Don’t assume people always act rationally. Many decisions get influenced by political considerations or other bias.

Tuesday’s Tip: Some decisions should be made autocratically.  Leaders are encouraged to involve their people, but there are times when a leader needs to act without consensus or input from others.

Wednesday’s Tip: Don’t always act without consultation. If a leader only ever makes autocratic decisions, he will end up making many mistakes and alienating people.  Carefully consider the situation before deciding on a decision making style.

Thursday’s Tip: Consider whether you are working with good information. The first question a leader needs to ask when making a decision is whether or not she has good information, or whether more needs to be learned.

Friday’s Tip: Consider how important buy-in is for any decision.  If you have a strong need to have good buy-in for any decision, you need to be more participative in your process.  If buy-in is less important, the decision can be more autocratic.