Q & A: How can I build consensus in my small business team?

A long email arrived over the weekend detailing the problem of building consensus about tasks and procedures in a small business employing 11 people. This problem may be more widespread than one thinks, and it has to be said it is a management problem.

This business owner was really concerned about the “destructive” effect of not building consensus in his organisation. The question I asked him in an email was “Why do you want to build consensus so desperately?” His answer was to make things happen more smoothly in his business and with less stress.

The truth is there is no need for consensus on each issue, what is really important is that things get done and someone has to make a decision how and when they get done – to put it bluntly – consensus is a nice thing to have, but not necessary. A company is not a democracy, so decisions are made from the top down.

This may sound harsh, but it is the only way to operate. I will listen to anyone in my team if we discuss issues, that is important, to get anyone heard and involved in the process, whatever that may be. I would be lying, if I would tell you I had not learned a lot this way, and that I have not changed my mind more than once due to good advice I received from my members of my team. At the end of the day though I make the decisions – the bug stops with me – or in this case you.

My team and I have an understanding, I will listen to all their concerns and suggestions, and my team accepts that in the end it is my decisions.

Running a company, however small or big, is about leadership, not consensus. ST.

Disclaimer: As with any of my readers questions, I do not have all the answers and here on my blog I can only give you some ideas, since I know very little about your small business. If any of you can add anything here do so for the benefit of my reader, who asked the question and everybody else, leave a comment below – I’d be most grateful.

3 Responses to “ Q & A: How can I build consensus in my small business team? ”

1. Jennifer Pearl
   
   Said on February 18th, 2008 at 12:14 am

   Hi there!

   I am an event planner in my official second season of business. My business is slowly growing mainly from a “leads” website that I subscribe to. I am completely selling myself as a product. I always provide more services than what I am contracted for. Of course, I do so because I want them to be impressed with the level of service so much that they will tell others. I am getting rave reviews on a wedding blog site. Here is the problem: I am overdoing my generosity. Sometimes I am adding in items that they want but can’t afford with their budget. For example – I’d love to have a white aisle carpet but I’d have to buy it since they are not a rental item and what am I supposed to do with it after the wedding? My response: well, why don’t I buy it and then I will have it for weddings later. I could charge them for the carpet or rent it to them but I dont. I know this is bad business financially and it has cost me a few hundred dollars. Is there some way that I can look at their situation in a “that stinks for you” kind of way instead of being emotionally involved. This is a very emotional industry and you want everything to be so perfect. Not only for the bride but for you as well. If I do these fantastic things for them I feel that they will be more likely to refer me to the next person. Help me look at it differently, please.

2. Stefan Töpfer
   
   Said on February 18th, 2008 at 1:12 am

   Hi Jennifer,

   I’m not so sure you want me to help you to look at it differently. To tell you the truth I’m not sure that I should either.

   It sounds you are doing a great job for your clients, maybe you could spread the cost of your good-will evenly across all your clients, to recoup your outlay for the carpet.

   If you look at these costs as marketing costs, like putting an ad in a paper, you would also have to absorb these costs across your cliental.

   You need to be careful not to get carried away with your good-will projects, but then you know that.

   Your passion is almost infectious, that is good for you.

   Stefan

3. Jennifer
   
   Said on October 4th, 2008 at 2:21 am

   Hi Stefan!

   I am so glad that I finally came across your website again! I really wanted to see your response and I thank you so much for your comments. Even though I was unable to see your advice here, I knew exactly what to do and our two minds thought alike! I no longer purchase items left over from weddings since every event is different. If I am asked to keep leftover items, I donate them to nursing homes or schools for craft projects! Some were also made available curbside for anyone who thought they’d be useful. I once made available 15 lanterns and they were gone by lunchtime! While it doesn’t happen very often, I am happy the items were enjoyed again in new and interesting ways – without affecting my budget! Thank you so much for responding! I am saving your site in my “favorites” just in case! My passion is real and any advice I can use in order to stay in this business is always a pleasure to receive!

   Cheers!

   Jennifer Pearl

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