Why managers should involve their team in the decision making process
Involving your team in decision-making is one of the most effective ways to foster inclusion, trust, and engagement in the workplace. Here are the main reasons why:
1. Encourages Diverse Perspectives
- When managers include team members in decisions, they tap into a range of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints. This leads to more creative and well-rounded solutions.
- Employees feel that their unique insights are valued, which reinforces a sense of belonging.
2. Builds Trust and Transparency
- Collaborative decision-making shows that leaders trust their teams’ judgment.
- Transparency about how and why decisions are made reduces feelings of exclusion or favouritism.
- It promotes an open and psychologically safe culture where people feel comfortable voicing their opinions.
3. Increases Engagement and Ownership
- When employees are part of the process, they’re more likely to be invested in the outcomes. They feel their input matters, which strengthens motivation and accountability.
- This leads to higher job satisfaction and improved team performance.
4. Enhances Equity in Opportunities
- Involving team members in decision-making ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute, not just the loudest or most senior voices.
- It helps break down power imbalances and creates a fairer environment.
5. Improves Decision Quality
- Inclusion isn’t just good for morale—it’s good for business.
- Diverse input reduces blind spots and biases.
- Teams that collaborate on decisions are often more innovative and adaptable.
Example
- For instance, if you are deciding how to redesign a team workflow, involving employees from different roles allows them to spot practical challenges and opportunities that leadership might overlook. The result is a process that works better for everyone—and a stronger sense of collective achievement.