Many leaders believe that it's important for them to get agreement from others before making a decision. Yet this consensus-focused approach often results in delayed projects, diluted ideas, and teams that only appear aligned on the surface.

In this episode, Ramona Shaw examines how the pursuit of consensus, while well-intentioned, can actually hinder team performance and decision-making. She shares practical insights from her work with startups and established organizations where consensus-seeking had unexpected consequences and what to do instead.

Ramona explores:

- The natural appeal of consensus and why it feels right

- What really happens in meetings when everyone seems to agree

- The connection between consensus and conflict avoidance

- A clear framework for when to seek agreement - and when not to

If you believe that a group of people with diverse perspectives makes for a better team, then aiming for actual consensus is a misdirected effort.

If this resonates with you, then check out our latest episode of The Manager Track podcast HERE.

Or watch it on YouTube HERE.

Reflective Questions:

- When has seeking agreement slowed down an important project?

- What decisions could have been made faster without full consensus?

- How often do team discussions end in safe but uninspiring compromises?

- Does quick agreement in meetings reflect true alignment or something else?

— RESOURCES MENTIONED —

- Check out the Complete Guide: Building Effective New Managers

- Learn how to turn your 1-on-1 meetings from time wasters, awkward moments, status updates, or non-existent into your most important and valuable meeting with your directs all week. Access the course and resources here: ramonashaw.com/11

- Have a question or topic you'd like Ramona to address on a future episode? Fill out this form to submit it for her review: https://ramonashaw.com/ama

- Schedule a strategy call with Ramona HERE.

— OTHER EPISODES YOU MIGHT LIKE —

- Episode 74 - How My APS Method Helps (New) Managers Succeed

- Episode 155 - 4 Insights from Running a New Manager Training Program

— WHAT’S NEXT? —

Learn more about our leadership development programs, coaching and workshops at archova.org.

Grab your copy of Ramona's best-selling book 'The Confident & Competent New Manager: How to Rapidly Rise to Success in Your First Leadership Role': amzn.to/3TuOdcP

If this episode inspired you in some way, take a screenshot of you listening on your device and post it to your Instagram Stories, and tag me @ramona.shaw.leadership or DM me on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/ramona-shaw

Are you in your first manager role and don't want to mess it up? Watch our FREE Masterclass and discover the 4 shifts to become a leader people love to work for: www.archova.org/masterclass

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* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

* Disclaimer: Shownotes may contain affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you.

Decision-Making for Managers: The Fallacy of Consensus

The Manager Track

Decision-Making for Managers: The Fallacy of Consensus