Introduction
Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions a day? It sounds overwhelming, but many of these decisions are so small we barely notice them. However, it’s the bigger decisions—especially those that impact others—that can cause friction. Whether in family relationships or business partnerships, having a clear roadmap of key questions can help navigate these sticky situations more smoothly.
What are Sticky Buckets?
"Sticky buckets" is a concept that helps categorize decisions based on who should be involved in making them. It's a way to clarify and organize decision-making processes, ensuring everyone knows their role and can act accordingly. By doing so, we can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts, fostering better collaboration and mutual respect.
The Importance of Clarity
Often, conflicts arise not because of the decisions themselves but because of unclear expectations about who should make them. When someone makes a decision that impacts us—positively or negatively—or a decision we thought we should have a say in, it can lead to tension. Clear communication and predefined roles in decision-making are key to preventing this.
The Sticky Bucket Roadmap
To help streamline decision-making, consider creating a roadmap with three main categories:
1. Can Decide Individually: Decisions that one person can make without consulting others.
2. Consult then Decide: Decisions where input from others is sought before making the final call.
3. Mutual Decisions: Decisions that require agreement from all parties involved.
Examples of Sticky Bucket Questions
Can Decide Individually
- Family: What to wear, daily routines, personal hobbies.
- Business: Task prioritization, scheduling personal work hours, initial project outlines.
- Estate Planning: Choosing a personal guardian for minor children, selecting personal executors.
Consult then Decide
- Family: Planning a vacation, choosing household purchases like furniture or appliances.
- Business: Budget allocation for a project, hiring decisions, selecting vendors.
- Estate Planning: Determining the amount of life insurance coverage, selecting beneficiaries for specific assets.
Mutual Decisions
- Family: Major life changes like moving to a new city, deciding to have children, purchasing a home.
- Business: Strategic direction of the company, entering new markets, forming partnerships.
- Estate Planning: How funds get distributed to children, such as prioritizing climbing Mount Kilimanjaro vs. university tuition, setting up family trusts, and creating health care directives.
Business Partner Examples
Can Decide Individually
- Day-to-Day Operations: Assigning tasks to employees, managing daily workflows.
- Minor Expenses: Authorizing small purchases that fall within a predefined budget.
Consult then Decide
- New Initiatives: Proposing new projects or initiatives that require moderate investment.
- Team Expansion: Deciding on hiring additional team members after consulting with key partners.
Mutual Decisions
- Major Investments: Approving large capital expenditures or significant investments.
- Mergers and Acquisitions: Making decisions about merging with or acquiring another company.
- Strategic Planning: Setting long-term goals and strategies for the business.
Implementing the Sticky Bucket System
1. Identify Key Areas: List out the major areas where decisions need to be made.
2. Categorize Decisions: Determine which bucket each decision falls into.
3. Communicate Clearly: Share this roadmap with everyone involved. Make sure there is a mutual understanding and agreement on who decides what.
4. Review Regularly: As relationships and circumstances change, review and update the roadmap to ensure it remains relevant.
To Be Clear is to Be Kind
At the heart of the sticky buckets approach is the principle that clarity is kindness. When everyone knows their role in decision-making, it reduces anxiety and frustration. It fosters a sense of trust and respect, making partnerships—whether family or business—more harmonious and effective.
Conclusion
By using the sticky bucket framework, you can create a more structured and clear decision-making process. This proactive approach not only helps in making better decisions but also strengthens relationships by ensuring everyone feels heard and respected. So, take some time to map out your decision-making buckets, and watch how it transforms your interactions for the better.
Feel free to share your own sticky bucket questions and how this approach has helped you navigate decisions in your life and work!
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