ScalingEmerging Pattern
Use a reversibility-impact matrix to decentralize decision-making
Categorize decisions by their impact (high/low) and reversibility (easy/hard to undo). High-impact irreversible decisions need data and multiple stakeholders. Low-impact reversible decisions can be made individually using operating principles. This framework scales decision authority without creating bottlenecks.
When to use
When employees frequently check with managers before acting; when decision-making becomes a bottleneck to growth
Don't do this
Requiring senior approval for all decisions regardless of impact; creating fixed 'decision rights' based on seniority that become bottlenecks
1 Founder Who Did This
1
Stripeby Claire Hughes Johnson
Published internal framework categorizing decisions by impact and reversibility, empowering employees to make appropriate calls independently
Result:Minimized time spent checking with managers; employees pattern-match decision types without predicting every scenario
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