The communication structure that works across all cultures and industries.
This is the complete guide to decision transparency and the decision-making frameworks that work.
Includes: The three types of decisions and when to use each. The communication structure that works for each type. How to invite input without losing decision authority. How to handle dissent and disagreement productively. How to communicate final decisions when you didn’t take all the input. Real examples from African and European organisations. The neuroscience behind why transparency builds trust. Common mistakes leaders make with transparency. Templates for explaining different types of decisions. Follow-up systems that strengthen trust over time.
The Three Types of Decisions
Type 1: Directive Decisions
You decide. You tell people. No input gathering beforehand.
Used for: Urgent decisions. Crisis situations. Technical decisions only you can make.
Communication: Clear. Direct. ‘Here’s what I’ve decided. Here’s why. Here’s how this affects you. Here’s what I need from you.’
Type 2: Consultative Decisions
You gather input. You listen. Then you decide. You explain the decision and how their input shaped it.
Used for: Most organisational decisions. When you want input and buy-in. When you’re the appropriate decision-maker but want to be smarter.
Communication: ‘I’m leaning toward this. Before I decide, what am I missing? Here’s what I heard. Here’s how it shaped my thinking. Here’s what I’m going to do.’
Type 3: Collaborative Decisions
You genuinely decide together. You explore options together. You create the decision together.
Used for: Strategic decisions requiring buy-in. Decisions that affect how people work. When you genuinely need collective thinking.
Communication: ‘Here’s the challenge we’re facing. Here’s my initial thinking. Let’s figure this out together.’
The Communication Structure That Works for Each Type
For Directive Decisions:
1. Here’s the decision.
2. Here’s the context you need to understand why.
3. Here’s what I was optimising for.
4. Here’s what this means for you.
5. Here’s what I need from you.
6. Do you have questions about the implementation?
For Consultative Decisions:
1. Here’s the situation.
2. Here’s what I was thinking.
3. What am I missing?
4. What concerns do you have?
5. Thank you. Here’s my final decision.
6. Here’s how your input shaped it.
7. Here’s what I need from you now.
For Collaborative Decisions:
1. Here’s the challenge.
2. Here’s my initial thinking.
3. What am I missing?
4. What would you do?
5. Let’s integrate our thinking.
6. Here’s what we’ve decided.
7. Here’s what I need from you now.