Here's how you can maximize decision-making as an executive by seeking input from others.

1 Embrace Diversity

When you're at the helm, it's easy to be swayed by your own biases or a homogenous inner circle. To counteract this, actively seek out diverse opinions. This doesn't just mean different job roles or departments, but also different backgrounds, cultures, and even industries. By embracing diversity in the input you receive, you'll be exposed to a broader range of perspectives, which can help you to identify potential blind spots and alternative solutions that you might not have considered otherwise.

2 Cultivate Openness

Creating an environment where your colleagues feel comfortable sharing their thoughts is key. Let them know that their input is valued, and that there's no such thing as a bad idea. Encourage open discussions and make it clear that all suggestions will be considered. This openness not only fosters a more inclusive atmosphere but also helps to surface innovative ideas that could lead to better decision-making outcomes.

3 Implement Feedback

Once you've gathered input, it's important to actually use it. Demonstrate that you're not just paying lip service to the idea of collective input by taking action on the feedback received. This might involve integrating suggestions into your decision-making process or explaining why certain ideas were not pursued. Either way, showing that you value and implement feedback will encourage ongoing participation and trust among your team.

4 Balance Perspectives

While seeking input is valuable, it's crucial to balance the perspectives gathered with the strategic objectives of your organization. Not all advice will be relevant or beneficial. It's your job to weigh the different inputs against each other and against your company's goals. This balancing act is where your expertise as an executive comes into play, helping you to filter the noise and focus on what's truly important.

5 Review Decisions

Once decisions are made, look back on them periodically to assess their impact. This retrospective analysis isn't about assigning blame or celebrating successes—it's about understanding the effectiveness of the decision-making process. Did the input from others lead to a better outcome? What could have been done differently? By reviewing past decisions, you can refine your approach and improve future decision-making.

6 Encourage Learning

Lastly, promote a culture of continuous learning within your organization. Encourage your team to learn from each decision, whether successful or not. This learning mindset will help everyone to grow and adapt, which is essential in the ever-changing business environment. By fostering learning from each decision-making process, you're not just improving individual skills but also enhancing the collective intelligence of your organization.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?