Decision Approval Process Template

About the Decision Approval Process

How much autonomy do I have?

Autonomy is an important concept for businesses because it allows employees to have control over their work and make decisions without having to constantly seek approval from their superiors. This can lead to increased efficiency, as employees are able to take action and make decisions without having to wait for approval.

Autonomy can also foster a sense of ownership and accountability among employees, as they are responsible for their own work and are given the freedom to take ownership of their tasks. Additionally, autonomy can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention, as employees who are given the opportunity to take control of their work are more likely to be motivated and engaged.

We want you to feel like you have ownership in the amazing things we do here. So, we created some guidelines in decision-making across the company.

Decision Principles

We want to empower every team member to feel confident making decisions, taking more ownership, and functioning autonomously. In order to do this (without devolving into utter chaos), we’ve documented some of the filters we’ve developed over the years to make decisions. These filters are so explicit that any person consulting them will be able to make a decision that’s aligned with our core operating principles. 

Front-page news

If something you did unexpectedly made front-page news, would you be proud of the decision you made?

This principle is all about integrity. We know that some conversations and decisions will occur behind closed doors, and not everyone can or will participate. But we should always operate knowing that we could, in good conscience, publicly defend every decision we make.

How You Do One Thing is How You Do Everything

Leave everything better than you found it.

How you react to “little” things — returning carts, being kind to your wait staff, vacuuming out your sandy rental car — sets the precedent for how you behave when bigger situations roll around.

Don’t expect others to clean up your messes. Be an owner.

Do It Now

It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you let the little things stack up, so create habits that help you stay organized and efficient.

Process information quickly and take quick action so you can knock an item off your to-do list.

It’s easy to push off little tasks or add them to a seemingly never-ending to-do list. Let’s try an exercise. Anything that can be done in less than 5 minutes, just do it now. Trust me.

Failure is Encouraged

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and fail. That’s how we learn. Learn from it, shake it off, and move on.

As the great Michael Jordan once said, “I've missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Challenge How It's Done but Respect Who Has Done it

Don’t shy away from conflict, but be kind and respectful with feedback.

When you’re working with someone or joining a new project, make sure you understand the “why” and gather all the context you need prior to offering critiques. So ask questions, gather context, thank folks for their contributions, respect the process, and suggest improvements with kindness.

🔥 Tip: Check out our Feedback Training Process for tips on how to give and receive great feedback that helps everyone grow.

Authenticity: Walk the Talk

We want everything we do internally and externally to reflect real people and real experiences.

And just know: You can bring your full self to work without fear of being reprimanded or seen as unprofessional. Our team embraces you because of your differences and the uniqueness of you.

Curiosity Gets Answers

If you want to know something, just ask.

When people ask questions, they get answers.

Do you want to join a meeting? Do you want information? Do you have a question? Speak up! Ask! And straight-up get things done.

Tips for making good decisions

Here are ten more tips for making good decisions as an employee:

1. Clearly define the problem: Identify the issue at hand and clearly define it so you can approach it in an organized and logical way.
2. Gather information: Seek out relevant information from a variety of sources, including colleagues, supervisors, and external experts.
3. Consider multiple options: Don't just focus on the first solution that comes to mind. Instead, consider a range of options and weigh the pros and cons of each.
4. Consider the impact on stakeholders: Think about how your decision will affect different stakeholders, including customers, colleagues, and the organization as a whole.
5. Seek guidance: Don't be afraid to seek guidance from your supervisor or other mentors when facing a difficult decision.
6. Take your time: Don't feel rushed to make a decision. Take the time to thoroughly consider all the options and gather all the information you need.
7. Seek feedback: Consider getting feedback from others, including colleagues and supervisors, before making a final decision.
8. Be open to new ideas: Be open to new ideas and approaches, even if they differ from your initial thoughts on the issue.
9. Trust your instincts: Trust your instincts and judgment, but also be willing to take calculated risks when appropriate.
10. Learn from your mistakes: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Instead, learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and development.