1-3-1 Rule a Strategic Tool for Decision-Making

A Strategic Tool for Enhanced Decision-Making & Empowering Teams

Needless to say, effective decision-making is key to driving growth and staying competitive. As a fractional Chief Growth Officer (CGO) and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), my role involves not only, setting strategic directions but also empowering your team to make informed decisions. One powerful management tool to bolster your team's decision-making ability is the 1-3-1 rule.

Understanding the 1-3-1 Rule

The 1-3-1 rule is a straightforward yet transformative team development tool designed to promote proactive problem-solving and accountability within teams. It operates on a simple premise:

• 1 Problem: When facing an issue or blocker, the employee identifies and clearly articulates the core problem.

• 3 Options: They research and develop three viable options or solutions to address the problem.

• 1 Preferred Option: Among the options, they select and recommend the one they believe is the most effective, providing the rationale for their choice.
  

  
  

Benefits of the 1-3-1 Rule

Implementing the 1-3-1 rule offers several advantages:

• Enhances Critical Thinking: Encourages employees to analyse issues deeply and consider multiple perspectives. By Being closer to the problem, your team may consider more variables that you could perceive at a higher level.

• Promotes Ownership and Empowerment: Empowers team members to take responsibility for problem-solving, leading to increased engagement and motivation.

• Optimises Leadership Time: Streamlines communication by providing leaders with well-thought-out solutions, allowing for quicker decision-making.

• Develops Future Leaders: Fosters skills such as strategic thinking and decision-making, essential for professional growth.
  

Implementing the 1-3-1 Rule

1. Introduce the Concept

• Educational Workshops: Hold sessions to explain the rule, its purpose, and how it fits into the broader goals of the organization.

• Provide Guidelines: Offer templates and examples to help employees understand how to structure their proposals.
  

2. Set Clear Expectations

• Communication Protocols: Incorporate the 1-3-1 rule into standard operating procedures for reporting issues.

• Encourage Preparedness: Emphasise the importance of coming to discussions ready with researched options.

  
  

3. Lead by Example

• Model the Behaviour: Use the 1-3-1 approach in your problem-solving to demonstrate its effectiveness.

• Acknowledge Efforts: Recognise and appreciate team members who effectively utilise the rule.

  
  

4. Provide Support

• Resources and Training: Offer access to decision-making tools and training to build confidence in their analytical abilities.

• Open Door Policy: Encourage questions and guide the process.
  

Supporting Decision-Making Matrixes and tools

To enhance the effectiveness of the 1-3-1 rule, integrate additional tools and matrices that support thorough analysis:

1. Decision Matrix Analysis

A decision matrix helps in evaluating and prioritising options based on specific criteria.

Steps:

• Identify Criteria: Determine factors important for the decision (e.g., cost, time, impact).

• Assign Weights: Prioritise each criterion based on its importance.

• Score Options: Rate each option against the criteria.

• Calculate Weighted Scores: Multiply the scores by the weights and sum them up to identify the best option.

Template:

2. SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)

Use SWOT analysis for each option to assess internal and external factors.

Application:

• Strengths: Advantages of the option.

• Weaknesses: Limitations or downsides.

• Opportunities: External factors that could be leveraged.

• Threats: External risks or challenges.

3. Pros and Cons List

A simple yet effective tool to quickly weigh the positive and negative aspects of each option.

Template:

Optimising time for Fractional Leadership Roles

As a fractional CGO or CMO, your limited time with each company makes efficient processes crucial.

Benefits:

• Maximises Impact: Ensures that interactions with your team are strategic and focused on solutions.

• Develops Self-Sufficient Teams: Builds a capable team that can operate effectively even when you're not present.

• Aligns with Organisational Goals: Keeps everyone's efforts directed towards the company's growth objectives.

The 1-3-1 rule is more than just a problem-solving method; it's a catalyst for empowering your team and enhancing their decision-making abilities. By implementing this management tool, you encourage a proactive, accountable, and growth-oriented culture.

As a fractional Chief Growth Officer and Fractional Marketing Officer, leveraging the 1-3-1 rule enables you to optimise your influence within the organisation, ensuring that your team is equipped to drive sustained growth and success.