February 20, 2009

“I’m doing the nut roll again and I don’t even like pecans.”

Numerous books have been written on the subject.  You have probably heard of them.  Getting to Yes, Getting Beyond No, and Getting to Resolution are a few of the more popular editions that discuss the theme of decision-making and negotiating.

I am a firm believer that decisions determine destiny.  In some circles and in many organizations, getting to a decision is a destiny many employees don’t experience with enough regularity.  Instead, they are left with no decision.  Their idea, project, or proposal simply runs out of gas with the passage of time:  the ultimate decision-maker.  The results are painful.  Senses are dulled.  Productivity is destroyed.  Enthusiasm is derailed.  Creativity is denied.

One dear friend, a veteran at dealing with the difficulties of finding someone both willing and with the authority to make a decision at his workplace, recently shared renewed frustration at his inability to get a yes or a no on a new project.  He spoke of sitting through meeting after meeting and giving presentation after presentation as the project’s advocate.  According to him, all the executives were onboard with the idea but none of them would give a go forward directive.

He likened it to the old candy-making process he watched as a child where dough was rolled under hot lights as more and more nuts affixed themselves with each roll.  He said, “I’m doing the nut roll again and I don’t even like pecans.” 

As you might expect, time killed the potential efficacy of his project.  Haven’t we all seen great ideas become nut rolls?  They spend lots of time in the lights only to get tightly wrapped, placed on the refrigerator shelf, and chilled.