In an era where change is the only constant and innovation drives success, the traditional top-down approach to decision-making is proving inadequate. The C-Suite executives, long regarded as the sole custodians of a company’s destiny, are recognising the limitations of this exclusive model. The tide is shifting towards a more inclusive strategy—democratising decision-making. This evolution isn’t just a fad; it’s a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in a complex and interconnected world.
At CRONUS, we have worked with over 130 of the world’s highest performing businesses to disrupt inefficient performance models and offer leaders a fresh lens of clarity and intelligent insights. Here are the steps leaders can take to democratise business decisions – from including staff from all departments, levels, and backgrounds to adopting purpose-built management technology.
Outgrowing the ivory tower approach
The days of leadership operating from an ivory tower are fading. The rapidly changing business landscape requires a more dynamic approach to decision-making. The traditional model, where a handful of senior executives hold the reins of authority, often leads to a narrow perspective on challenges and opportunities. In contrast, a democratised approach casts a wider net, tapping into the collective intelligence that spreads through an organisation.
One of the most compelling reasons for democratising decision-making is its ability to foster diversity and inclusion. Inclusive decision-making breaks down hierarchical silos, ensuring that voices from all corners of the company are heard. Diverse perspectives, stemming from employees of varying backgrounds, experiences, and roles, lead to well-rounded decisions that account for a multitude of viewpoints. In fact, research shows that inclusive teams are over 35% more productive, and diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time. This not only enriches the decision-making process but also sends a powerful message that every individual’s opinion matters.
Enhancing organisational agility
Agility has become the buzzword in the modern business lexicon. The pace at which markets evolve demands swift decision-making and adaptable strategies. Democratising decision-making empowers organisations to be more agile and responsive. By involving a broader spectrum of employees in the decision-making process, companies can tap into real-time insights from those who are closest to the frontlines. This informed decision-making translates to quicker responses to market shifts and a greater ability to seize emerging opportunities.
In a traditional hierarchy, decisions often appear hazy, leaving employees questioning the rationale behind them. Alas, there is still some discrepancy when it comes to inclusion at large enterprises – only 40% of women feel satisfied with the decision-making process at their organisation (versus 70% of men), which leads to job dissatisfaction and poor employee retention.
Democratising decision-making, however, promotes transparency by involving employees from all levels when discussing business-related questions and initiatives. When individuals see their input considered and integrated into decisions, they’re more likely to align with the company’s goals and take ownership of the outcomes.
Empowering through technology
Opening the decision-making process doesn’t mean dismantling the role of senior leadership. Instead, it’s about integrating technology to facilitate collaboration and informed choices. Strategy execution management (SEM) technology platforms are emerging as essential tools for empowering democratised decision-making. These platforms enable cross-functional teams to collaborate seamlessly, share insights, and contribute to decisions regardless of their physical location. The synergy between human expertise and technological facilitation is the needed catalyst for effective business growth and long-term success.
Transitioning towards democratised decision-making is a transformative journey. It requires conscious effort and strategic alignment:
Inclusive engagement: Encourage participation from employees across departments, hierarchies, and backgrounds. Recognise that expertise isn’t confined to seniority.
Data-driven insights: Leverage data analytics to inform decisions. A democratised approach should be underpinned by facts and insights to ensure informed choices.
Collaborative decision platforms: Foster an environment where employees can freely express their opinions and ideas. Implement purpose-built technology platforms that enable collaborative decision-making. These tools streamline communication and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
Leadership Support: Senior executives must embrace the democratised approach and champion its adoption throughout the organisation. Their endorsement lends credibility to the new model.
Opening the decision-making process to all employees drives innovation, promotes diversity and inclusion, enhances agility, and strengthens organisational culture. Through purposeful steps and the integration of technology, companies can harness the power of their entire workforce to navigate an ever-changing business landscape and ensure they are primed for success.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rabee Asous
Chief Strategy Officer & Strategy Consultant at CRONUS
Rabee Asous, Chief Strategy Officer & Strategy Consultant at Cronus, is a results-driven and seasoned management consultant with 16+ years of extensive experience in business excellence, strategy formulation and implementation, business process improvement, and corporate performance management. Rabee has a strong background in many sectors including real estate, construction, telecom, oil & gas in addition to the public sector gained across different markets including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Jordan.
