A (Hokie) Architect's Take on the UVA Debacle

The recent furor over the forced resignation of Theresa Sullivan at UVA (http://wapo.st/MhuQh6) is a clear example of how decision-making defines an organization. As an alumni of another of the Commonwealth's flagship universities -- Virginia Tech, (where the current, long-serving president is an architect!) -- I've been particularly interested to see how two methods of leadership have clashed.

Decision-making,whether in companies, boards of directors, pastoral teams, city councils, tends to follow one of two models: Command or consensus.

In the command, or executive, model, a small number of persons, with appropriate authority and responsibility decide what needs to be done and then works to bring the rest of the organization along. This method is, understandably, most often found in for-profit, bottom-line companies.

The other model involves engaging a broader group in which authority and responsibility are collectively held. Consensus-based decisions involve the group working together to first define the needed action and then systematically reviewing options, considering everyone's opinion and ultimately making a decision that the entire group supports.

Both models of decision-making are valid and both have their place. My observation after working for 23 years with both executives and boards is that many boards, like the UVA Board of Visitors, are opting for a top-down, command-style decision-making, while many businesses are discovering the power of consensus-based decision-making. Applying the wrong method in the wrong situation creates debacles like what is happening at UVA.

Any change, whether short or long term, involves risk. How an organization decides what change to make shapes the risk involved. Executive-style decisions are faster and can be more efficient which usually translate in saving money and the ability to seize an opportunity. Consensus-building trades the advantage of speed for the stability of shared risk and enduring support.

Believe it or not, architects, particularly Blue Ridge Architects, are good at help you shape the right decision-making process. Give us a call or email us and let us explain how we can help you manage risk through good decision-making.