Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Recognise that not all team members want to be involved in every architectural decision, and this is acceptable. Forcing participation can be counterproductive; their silence may indicate a lower psychological safety or a preference to focus elsewhere. The goal is to...
Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Acknowledge Downsides and Dissent in Decisions

Use phrases like ”adopted despite” to list the known downsides of the chosen option. This formally acknowledges dissenting viewpoints and trade-offs directly within the decision record. It helps people feeling more heard and provides a more complete picture of the...
Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Ask What Does It Take To Go Along with a Decision

After a decision is taken, immediately ask the group: “What do you need to go along with this?” This shifts the focus from debate to constructive action and identifies necessary support. A decision’s success depends on the team’s ability to execute it. Example After...
Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Decompose Large Decisions into Smaller Ones

Break large, multifaceted decisions into a series of smaller, more focused ones. This isolates areas of disagreement, allowing the team to make progress on the majority of points. It prevents a single objection from derailing the entire initiative. It also avoids...
Respect Apathy in Decision-Making

Treat Strong Opinions as Inquiry Signals

Do not dismiss strong opinions, even if they seem confrontational, as they may hide valid concerns or unstated assumptions. Use questioning to unravel the reasoning behind the opinion, transforming it from a potential blocker into valuable input. This ensures all...