Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/decision-making-influence-who-has-it-who-wants-it/5011406/
Although it was over 20 years ago, I can recall with absolute clarity the details of my first staff meeting as the director of a new child care center. I had just read several articles extolling the importance of participatory management and was determined to develop a spirit of shared decision making and collaboration in my center. I carefully orchestrated the details leading up to this meeting to ensure full participation. I invited several teachers to contribute ideas for the agenda and I reminded everyone to be on time. Ever mindful of the importance of ambiance, I carefully arranged the chairs in a circle, I put a fresh arrangement of flowers on the table, and I brought in home-baked cookies to eat. Finally, I made sure all telephone calls would be intercepted by a volunteer in the office to minimize the possibility of distractions.During the meeting, everyone was polite and respectful but it was clear they were not invested in the discussion. It lacked spirit; it seemed flat. I thought perhaps everyone was just tired after a long day of work. I made a mental note to bring chocolate candy to our next meeting to give us an energy boost. We ...