> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/tech-lead-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jamiewen00.gitbook.io/tech-lead-handbook/product/decision-making.md).

# Decision Making

## The What

How do we make quick and good decisions on the daily delivery process? **Push the decision-making to the possible lowest level.**

![Cloud Native Transformation
Practical Patterns for Innovation](/files/pYugrzcww4ICECpoeGsd)

## The How

### Communicate the vision

* Why we are here and what are we trying to achieve as a team? Get it super clear.
* Focus more on the why and less on the what
* Provide more context to the team which helps them make efficient decisions.

### **Alignment**

* **Hard work in the right direction.**
* Catch up (sync / async) with your Product Manager *regularly*, *repeatedly*, and *frequently*.
* Align the tech roadmap with the product roadmap‌.

### Autonomy

* Be more situational and give your direct reports more space to grow
* Don’t be prescriptive unless you absolutely have to, and fix it as soon as possible.

### Direction

* Ensure the direction is correct, otherwise, all that hard work goes in a wrong direction
* Regular catch up with your Product Manager and get the direction aligned
* Have a tech roadmap and fit into the product roadmap

### Delegate & Monitor

Regular check-ins, but how often? It depends on Task Relevant Maturity

<div align="center"><img src="/files/8Lemj2k2Ejo4jcjWE3kd" alt="https://www.hostinger.com/blog/task-relevant-maturity"></div>

* Start small and slowly build the trust
* Clear ownership
* Clarify goals and success metrics
* Proactive updates from direct reports are needed
* Regular check-ins
* At the end of the day, it is all your accountability

## :red\_circle: Red Flags

* Have unnecessary meetings for small decisions. // Can you make it async?
* Look for *absolute* broader consensus for small decisions‌. // Unnecessary.
* Aim for perfect decisions. // Perfectionism is killing your team.

## :scroll: Tips

* Use frameworks for the decision-making process, e.g., [DACI](https://www.atlassian.com/team-playbook/plays/daci)
* Think about ROI. How big the decision is and how much it cost to make that decision.
* There is more than one way to make a decision. Voting is just one of them.

## :hole: Pitfalls

* Escalate every decision ⇒ micro-management
* Delegate without monitoring ⇒ unexpected failures

<https://www.cnpatterns.org/organization-culture/decide-closest-to-the-action>