Advice

Process

(enlightened decision)
What is it?
An advice process is an approach that helps with decision making.
A decision is always taken at the service of a project and as part of a given context.

* The actual approach consists of asking before taking a decision

1) asking the advice of those persons impacted by the decision
2) asking the advice of those who have expertise in the domain

The advice received should be taken into consideration but there is no requirement that the decision-maker
take all the advice into account. The objective is not to take a middling decision, or based on consensus,
that includes what everyone wants or pleases everyone. What's at stake is to trust the collective intelligence
and wisdom inspired by all points of view, and all options.
From all the advice received, the decision maker arbitrates to make the best possible decision that serves
the greatest number, from the end customer, from the project.

How to conduct an advice Process?

1 Choose the people impacted and the experts (think globally i.e retail, logistics, sports brands, IT …)
Choose people with good critical thinking.

2 Explain your project, stakes, context

3 Allow people taking part in the advice process to ask questions, and therefore answer clarifying
questions. Openly receive feedback, ideas, disagreement from my advice circle

4 Make your decision, for which you take full responsibility. (You can decide at the end of the
consultation stage or put back the decision if you need more time for thinking.)

5 You inform the people you consulted of your decision and thank them for their support

Why use the advice process?

This process helps each Decathlonian to take decisions. It stimulates initiative and creativity.

The decision-maker feels reassured and more confident in their decision making thanks to the advice
received. They also feel responsible for the decision taken
The information sharing with the people impacted strengthens the feeling of being part of the group. People
feel recognised and useful.
The advice process will enable better decision making for the company.

A "must" is becoming a long-lasting practice in our company: Non-judgement and impartiality

*As the decision maker asking for the advice process: I make sure not to put any pressure on the team members I choose to consult, I do not
judge the persons who have opinions that diverge from my own.
* As the consulted person: I feel free to give my opinion without any restrictions, my opinion serves the project. My way of thinking should be
the same that if my own money was at stake, without any couterpart
 10-minute E-learning VIDEO
Source ENG: reinventing organisations (F. Laloux) - Link

The questions you must ask yourself as a Decathlonian.

1. What do you want to take a decision about?

2. Are you the right decision maker for this subject?
3. How does your decision make sense to the customer, for the project?
4. Who people are impacted by your decision? What is their advice?
5. Who are the standard bearers/experts on this subject? What is their advice?
6. After listening and analysing, what decision will you take and communicate?

To take this further... understanding the different modes of decision making

Collaborative mode:
The person in charge of the subject fully relies on and puts their faith in the collective.
With the help of a facilitator (=Technical), everyone expresses themselves, gives their opinion, … The final
decision is made by the group itself. The decision must, therefore, be collective and everyone is fully
concerned by the decision's success. The person in charge of the subject accepts the final decision.
P.S.:the facilitation (Technical) also helps to produce content,

Participative:
The person in charge of the subject consults the people concerned by the decision's impact, their
colleagues, the in-house and external standard bearer, their leader, their advisers, their peers. They take
their decision based on these opinions and advice. They inform the people they consulted.

Directive mode:
 In the context of urgency or a need for efficiency, the person in charge consults or not a few experts
(lawyers, quality assurance manager, …) and takes the decision informing the group of the context and the
decision. (example: a safety risk, a risk to people, disciplinary, …)