Decision Roles Quick Guide

Decisions slow down when participation and authority are left implicit. Use these four roles to make the path visible.

Four roles

1. Recommend: Develops a proposal based on the available evidence and constraints.
2. Decide: Holds responsibility for the final choice.
3. Contribute: Offers relevant expertise, perspective, or feedback before the decision.
4. Implement: Translates the decision into action and identifies practical issues.

One person may hold more than one role, but the deciding role should be singular and clear.

Put it into practice

Add a one-line role statement to the agenda before a consequential conversation. For example: “The instructional team will recommend; the principal will decide after teacher leads contribute.”