Effectively building a project and a construction business starts with getting the right people on the team then getting them aligned.
The strength of a team is not defined by the lack of problems or disagreements. The strength of a team is defined by how effectively those problems or disagreements are processed.
A great behavior to build into the team is a disciplined approach focusing on the 5Ds in order:
- Deeply Learn: Know the topic, integration with the rest of the business and positions of everyone in the room at least 2X more deeply than anyone else. “Fortune favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur
- Discuss: Ensure that everyone in the room has the same information. Start the discussion process well before walking into the meeting by “pre-wiring” everyone.
“Given the same information all reasonable people will come to the same conclusion.”
- Debate: Prioritize the differences. Set the conditions and timeline for the debate. Set the decision process if consensus is not reached. Keep the debate professional.
- Decide: Get a decision made on moving forward if consensus cannot be reached in a reasonable amount of time.
- Deliver: Set a clear and prioritized action plan for what needs to happen next. DO IT!
Most people; especially high-performers tend to move directly to 4 then very quickly start 5. Spending the right amount of time on 1 & 2 before the first meeting accelerates the delivery substantially.
The more complex and integrated the project or process is the more time is required on 1, 2 and 3. Effective debate facilitation and behaviors should make the decision obvious.
How much time did you spend on #1 & “pre-wiring” others on the team for #2?
To receive a 1 page summary of the 5D process please contact us.
