Give the Boss Multiple Choices
– Musings of Dr. Jamie C. Hsu,5.27.2017
As a consultant to many leaders, and as a leader myself, I have observed one simple axiom over the years. Bosses like well-thought-out multiple choices to help them make decisions.
After receiving an assignment, subordinates typically go back to their bosses with three types of responses:
- A blank paper with a lot of questions for the boss to fill in: Could you tell me more about what you want? Could you tell me exactly how you want me to do it? When do you want it? etc.
The boss will either answer these questions grudgingly or respond “If I knew all the answers, why would I need you?” - A detailed report based on the best guess regarding the intent of the vague assignment: You ask the boss if this is what he wanted.
You may have a 50-50 chance of getting what the boss had in mind or be told “Why did you waste your time on this? This is not what I wanted.” - A multiple scenario analysis of the pros and cons for a few different options: You ask the boss if one of the options is what she wants and offer to do a more comprehensive report on it.
The boss will either pick one option or give you a clearer definition of the assignment within the context of the various options. You are now aligned with your boss’s thinking.
I am sure most bosses would like to receive the multiple choices report. It gives them a good scenario analysis, an opportunity to reframe the assignment, and a feeling of calling the shots. In addition, you get a chance to voice your analysis and thoughts in the multiple choices.
This is a win-win for both you and your boss.
老闆們都喜歡“多一點的選項”
-作者 許俊宸博士
-中譯 薛乃綺
作為許多高層領導者的顧問、或身為領導者，多年來我觀察並且得到一個再簡單不過的至理名言─那就是，老闆們都喜歡擁有深思熟慮過的多種選擇，以利他們進行最佳決策。
在接到任務後，下屬通常可以透過三種方式回覆給他們的主管：
第一種是給主管一張空白的紙，上面寫滿了許多要老闆回答的問題：像是您是否能告訴我更多關於您想要的內容？您能否更準確地告訴我，您希望我做哪些事情？您何時要得到回覆？等等諸如此類的內容。此時主管們可能會勉為其難的回答這些問題，甚至直白地告訴你：”如果我知道所有的答案，那我還需要你做什麼？”
第二種是下屬不是很清楚被指派的工作內容，只能盡其所能去揣測主管意向，並且提供一份十分詳盡的報告。這種情況下，你問你的主管說這是不是他所想要的。你可能有一半的機會藉此得知主管的想法、但也有一半的機會他會反問你：為什麼要花時間做這些事情？這不是他要的。
第三種是針對各種不同情境進行正反兩面的可能分析；並且問主管這當中有沒有哪一個比較符合他想要的，然後對此再提供更全面的報告。這時你的主管可能會從中挑選一個項目、或者透過這些選項的內容更進一步清楚地說明他想要你做的事情。這時的你，已經符合主管的想法了。
我相信大多數的主管都希望能夠收到一份有多種選項的報告書。因為這樣可以提供給主管們一個很好的情境分析、一個機會去重新檢視他指派的工作、更可以讓他們覺得自己是最終下決策的人。此外，你也有機會透過這些選項的說明，來展現你的分析能力、表達你的想法。
這對於你跟你的主管來說，才會是雙贏的結果。
