Organisations are “decision factories in which leaders are decision architects, enabling those around them to make wise, ethical choices consistent with their own interests and the organisations highest values.” This is the thrust of the new book by best selling authors, and the founders of behavioural economics, Don Moore and Max Bazerman. The book is called Decision Leadership: Empowering Others to Make Better Choices (2022, Yale University Press), and challenges the traditional characterization of organisations and leaders.
The authors provide a framework where leaders can step away from micro-managing, and instead rust their teams to make good decisions. Using the authors words, it stops the organisation “relying on one individual to play the part of heroic figure.” Their strongly argued position is that “leaders success depends not only on their ability to make good decisions but also on their ability to help others make wise decisions.”
There is extensive use of evidence throughout the book, including case studies to show how it all looks in the real world of organisations.
A key theme through is for leaders to not rely too much on their own intuition. A guide to improving decisions is provided. The tips include reviewing the role of confidence, using the advice of others, and the advantage of a culture of experimentation. Interestingly the authors also tackle head on how leaders can create more ethical organisations.
This is a highly recommended book for all business leaders and decision-makers at all levels with organisations. Buying this book will be one of the best decisions you make.