---
title: "Guide Decisions, Do Not Dictate Solutions"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/guide-decisions-do-not-dictate-solutions/"
authors: ["Peter Hunter", "Elena Stojmilova", "Kenny Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky"]
tags: ["ranking", "facilitating software architecture and design", "conflict management", "decentralised decision-making", "decision-making process", "sociotechnical systems"]
type: "guiding heuristics"
question: "How should senior architects support newly empowered teams?"
submitter: "Peter Hunter"
---

# Guide Decisions, Do Not Dictate Solutions

Instead of providing direct answers, guide teams by asking probing questions and suggesting alternative perspectives. This fosters their decision-making skills and ownership without undermining their autonomy. The goal is to enable, not to command.

## Examples

When a team asks 'Is this the best way?', the architect responds by asking 'What will happen if you choose another way?'. This prompts the team to explore the trade-offs themselves.