Six questions for equity, participation, and buy in


After some hard won lessons, I’ve started asking these six questions before enacting any important leadership decision.

  1. What exactly we doing?

    Answered as directly and simply as possible.

  2. How does it relate to an existing priority?

    Something I believe people broadly understand to be important.

  3. Why now?

    Why invest time & money now over things people might think are important

  4. Who’s accountable?

    Who is following through? Who can answer questions?

  5. have we consulted with people affected by the decision?

    Invite participation before or repair damage afterwards. If timing really doesn’t allow then admit it and ask for feedback.

  6. How can people help/stay informed/participate?

    Are we asking for help? If not, how will we make progress visible.

I’m interested in what people think of this or if they are doing anything similar.

This entry was posted in business agility, leadership and tagged , , by Ken Judy. Bookmark the permalink.

About Ken Judy

I am an executive leader, software developer, father and husband trying to do more good than harm. I am an agile practitioner. I say this fully aware I say nothing. Sold as a tool to solve problems, agile is more a set of principles that encourage us to confront problems. Broad adoption of the jargon has not resulted in wide embrace of these principles. I strive to create material and human good by respecting co-workers, telling truth to employers, improving my skills, and caring for the people affected by the software I help build.