[c]

The stepladder model, based on the work of M. A. West (1994), provides a staged approach to decision-making, which maximises the benefits of both individual and team working. 

West believes that decisions made individually are more creative than those made in groups as the influence of team dynamics can stifle useful ideas and insights. His model involves a number of distinct stages to decision-making – individuals are asked to first consider an issue and to note a number of responses to it. These are then presented to other members of the team in a group setting before being discussed and debated and a final decision reached.

Although time-consuming and unfeasible for every decision being made this approach may be useful at key points in a project, for example when discussing project scheduling, deadlines and responsibilities.

Decision making using the stepladder approach

• The issue is delivered to all members engaged in the decision making process. This may be on paper or in paperless format. It needs to be accompanied by details of when the next step of the decision making process will occur.
• Team members have time to think about the issue individually and identify response/s.
• The team members then meet together and present their solutions to the other members of the team. This may be conducted in a staged process by working in pairs or small teams. Any new solutions that emerge from these presentations need to be captured and considered alongside the original proposals.
• When all the solutions have been presented members will then turn their attention to making a decision.
• Discussion will ensue which will evaluate and explore each of the proposals vigorously.
• Solutions will be reviewed via a process of reduction until a consensus agreement is reached about the most appropriate solution.
• Possible consequences of this solution need to be considered and agreement reached as to their acceptability.
• An action plan for implementation can then be drawn up.