---
title: "Three ways to decide"
description: "Matching the decision method to the need for buy-in."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/three-ways-to-decide/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Three ways to decide

> Matching the decision method to the need for buy-in.

Matt Mochary's framework, from The Great CEO Within, pp. 12 to 19.

Framework 4 of 15 from [The Great CEO Within](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/index.md) by Matt Mochary. Category: Leadership.

## The steps

1. **Manager decides.** Announce and answer questions; fast but little buy-in. Use for everyday low-impact issues.
2. **Written straw man.** Share a draft, invite written and verbal feedback, then decide. Best for most important decisions.
3. **Open discussion from scratch.** Discuss with no straw man, decide by consensus. Slowest, but needed for core issues like the 10-year vision.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Chapter 6: On Time and Present, pp. 12–19

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/three-ways-to-decide.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/three-ways-to-decide-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/three-ways-to-decide.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/the-great-ceo-within/three-ways-to-decide-dark.png