Martin Steih

Most team members sincerely want to make an impact and create something of value for others.

I think they deserve leaders who deeply care about them and create an environment they can do precisely that and strive.

It's frustrating but common.

So many teams and people alike talk about committing to some outcome, result, or anything. When I ask what they mean by "commitment" and how that commitment came about, the answer - in essence - is virtually always the same:

We argued about what to do and even got at our throats about it. Then our boss stepped in and decided what we would do.

Sounds innocent enough.

But it often isn't! And it certainly is no commitment at all.

The problem is not so much the process (which is actually ok), but the details of the argument, discussion, or healthy conflict before the decision. Here is where the foundation to real commitment is being laid. Or not.

The key is as simple as it is challenging:

Everyone has to be LISTENED to. Every team member needs the feeling that her point was understood and considered seriously.
If you do 1., you automatically get to the second key: Understanding. Everyone has to understand the rationale behind everyone else's point to make a sound decision.
If you only focus on these two keys within the time of a debate or discussion, you will be able to reach real commitment even if not everyone is delighted by what "the boss" finally decides.