How to Change the World Ep. 180 - Who Decides? Four Roles for Better, Faster Decision-Making with Catherine Alonzo
Jun 18, 2025
Clarity in decision-making is essential, especially under pressure. Discover a powerful framework known as the decision tree, which outlines four key roles: decision maker, included, consulted, and alerted. Hear real-world examples, including a high-stakes DEI scenario where clear roles helped avert confusion. Catherine Alonzo shares insights on how organizations can navigate challenges effectively and emphasizes the importance of preparedness for urgent situations. This clarity allows teams to make courageous decisions swiftly and meaningfully.
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Clarity Prevents Decision Chaos
- Clear decision roles prevent confusion and preserve trust during high-stakes choices.
- The decision tree applies to any organization and is vital when speed and alignment matter.
Map The Four Decision Roles First
- Define the four roles: decision maker, included, consulted, and alerted before work begins.
- Use that structure to avoid turf wars and ensure everyone knows how their input will be used.
Brand Refresh Derailed By Back-Channel Input
- A brand refresh stalled when the executive director solicited outside feedback outside the agreed process.
- The team paused, reset the process, formally included that input point, and clarified how it would be used.