Some Decision Makers

Rex likes lots of discussion with everyone in the same room and little in writing. He wants to hear arguments between opposing points of view and picks the debaters. His goal is the fastest and most workable course of action rather than the best course of action. Rex is often both excited and exhausted by his decision making process.

Elena likes to have decisions fully staffed so all interested parties get a chance to attach their comments to a single decision paper. She likes clear recommendations and more than three options. She does not like verbal reports. She may decide on the basis of the paper alone or may call in staff members so they can discuss their concerns. Her goal is the best possible course of action. She occasionally jumps down the chain of command in order to see if facts are being filtered.

Carlos has faith in his intuition. He likes to make up his own mind and then see how his recommended course of action is regarded by the staff. If he feels strongly about a particular course, he will push it through but he sometimes reverses his decision if the staff makes solid points. He brags that he is collegial, but his associates regard him as a faux collegial.

Samantha likes to see staff members battle over turf and prestige. She sometimes gives two people the same assignment just to see which one comes up with the best ideas. She dislikes filtering and places herself at the hub of her area. She is wary of any associate who seems to be getting too powerful. She both charms and manipulates.

Frank is very charismatic. His associates routinely defer to his judgment because he is usually right. Frank has enormous self-confidence. Most of his staff members are highly dependent upon him. He has not groomed a successor. If Frank weren't around, his team would deteriorate into a mob.

Preston does not trust his staff. He piles rule upon rule to close loopholes and he quickly terminates any dissenter. His staff members push both important and minor decisions up the ladder to Preston. This creates enormous inefficiency but Preston does not mind so long as his own position is secure. He regards the upward delegation as proof that his associates are inept.