What is the process?

Want to get things done? First ask, 'What is the process?':

• The steps leading up to taking a decision
• The stakeholders involved
  
• The criteria to approve or decline and
  
• The communication format and channels used to let everyone know the details of the decision.
  

If none exists, then make one up. Now the first step is to get agreement on a decision making process, then the real problem solving can start.

If you start problem solving without nailing down the decision making process, you will experience churn, delays and frustration. And... you will lose bargaining leverage because now you have escalated your commitment and have more vested, financially and emotionally. In simple English, you have more to lose!

Its like giving a customer the price after performing a service...