Every decision needs a Decision Owner. Especially decisions involving multiple stakeholders.
The Decision Owner is responsible for deciding and communicating how he or she wants these people involved in the decision process. Here are four possible roles.
- Vote: These people are involved because their consensus, opinion, and support are required. These people can expect to see their points of view reflected in the final choice. They have power.
- Voice: These people are involved because their point of view and insights are important. The process requires their input. They have influence.
- Visibility: People with visibility are involved in the process because you need them to know and understand what is happening. They have awareness.
- Veto: A veto is a vote outside the desired decision process. Nobody should be assigned or granted this role. People take this role because they were not properly managed into one of the other three roles.
Breakdowns almost always occur when there is confusion around roles. For example, stakeholders who believe they have a voice when they only have visibility will understandably feel like their opinions are being ignored.