Using the trial balloon

- Sometimes making a good decision is difficult,…knowing the right answer is difficult,…and knowing how your team will feel…about different options isn't easy.…Whether you're using an inclusive decision-making approach…or a more autocratic style,…sometimes you'll want to use a trial balloon.…To float a trial balloon simply means…to push out information…to see how your target audience reacts.…It might help you make the actual decision…and it will certainly help you frame…or explain your eventual decision.…

This is a particularly useful tactic…when you want team input, but don't have much time.…So, instead of working with the team…to identify possible options, you use a trial balloon…and reduce the possibilities down to the top two…or three reasonable solutions.…As always, do your homework.…Think through the pros and cons,…the associated cost or savings,…potentially unintended consequences,…and how your team might react.…Okay, now you have to choose a target.…You can speak to the entire group,…in person or electronically,…