Consequential Analysis® is a decision-making process developed by Michael Marmur to break decision gridlocks and facilitate problem solving. It focuses management attention on establishing decision alternatives. So they can gather relevant information and consider the consequences of each path. Then all parties can weigh the pros and cons of each option and agree on a solution.
In addition its uses in mediating crises, conflicts or disputes, Consequential Analysis® is a management tool that helps decision-makers examine the potential results of their actions. It allows participants, often influenced by their own agendas and interests, to make better choices in many situations:
Strategy Formulation
Resolve strategic questions in which there is no convergence of thinking or where there are doubts regarding the direction.
Risk Assessment
Uncover hidden issues or traps prior to launching products or services.
Project Management
Facilitate an objective review of complex or critical projects and programs.
Problem Solving
Ensure the best decision outcome is identified and chosen, particularly when detailed analysis has revealed no obvious choice.
Change Management
Challenge participants’ assumptions so they can see what actions are in the organizations’ best interests.
Benefits and Savings to the Organization and Participants
- Time saved.
- Decision-making consensus acquired.
- Impasses broken and dissolved.
- Focus of participants on reaching decisions.
- Minimal organizational distraction and fallout.
- Synergy resulting from a team dynamic focused on a successful outcome.
- Overall, the best possible decisions and effective action.
Sooner or later everyone sits down to a banquet of consequences.