What are some good templates or best practices for when to gather input and how to incorporate (i.e. whose feedback to incorporate vs. ignore, etc.), especially as it relates to a timeline?

The RAPID framework is extremely valuable to drive timely and high-quality decisions. It is used to clarify the role that each function plays in a given decision. It eliminates confusion, unnecessary cycles, and set clear expectations about the role played by each function. The RAPID framework outlines which functions Recommend, Agree, Perform, Input and Decide a certain decision: Recommend: Develops recommendation for a decision. 80% of the work happens here Agree: Ensures the recommendation me ...Read More

Some high level principles of feedback overall to consider: Set the rules of engagement early: who gets to weigh in, by when, and how you’ll report back—then always close the loop so people see how their input was handled. Filter every comment through the objective: if it advances the core goal or mitigates real risk, it’s prioritized; if not, it goes to the parking lot for later. Use a principled “no”: explain the trade-off, tie it to the outcome you’re optimizing for, and keep moving. When it ...Read More

There are many dimensions at play in approaching this problem that I don't have a singular template, but here are a few things to think about. What is the nature of the decision / project? If it's something small, in your area of (genuine) expertise, has limited impact or downside, and so on then you probably don't need to bother to gather input in the first place. If it's a major decision that will commit substantial resources, is a "one-way door" so you can't reverse the decision, or requires ...Read More

Value Stream Mapping, especially documenting the current state, is an invaluable tool to identify key stakeholders for the project and to see the work required to create the future state. Once key stakeholders are identified and the current and future states are mapped, hold a scoping meeting with all stakeholders (functional and technical). Document the decisions related to in-scope and out-of-scope elements for the current timeline. Identify who is responsible for the in-scope elements and the ...Read More

Stakeholders engage best when they are presented with options. Instead of asking open-ended questions like, “What should we do?”, frame discussions around three structured options: Recommended solution – The best option based on available data. Lower-effort alternative – Trades off scope or impact for faster execution. More ambitious approach – Requires greater investment but offers higher potential upside. This forces discussion around trade-offs and allows stakeholders to compare paths forward ...Read More