Globalisation is perfect for creating new SME’s, this breed of people is growing rapidly in markets across the globe. Even though operating in the same environment, with less money and resources they can be very competitive and is surely rising to the occasion.

Where does one start with the fun?

In the beginning….when and where things are without shape and form

Determine in which category you fall. A global company, local company or a SME? When this has been defined, one can move forward.  Leading the process as a project, with a project manager or -owner.

Project and project manager

Being a project manager in a major global- or a local company or even SME as the owner-manager comes with the same responsibility and accountability.  The starting point in any decision-making process is to have clear and specific goals and objectives. Followed by clear and specific communication, which cannot be emphasised enough.

The next step is to state expectations to an assigned project team involved – regardless if it is a major global -, local company or entrepreneur.

The five letters RAPID, give a very good explanation of the five critical decision-making roles in project management.

Recommend: People in these roles need to gather all the information, complete a proposal and supply the relevant data analyses to make an informative decision.

Agree: Individuals in this role will question the proposal and assure that this is the best competitive proposal at the correct profit margins and that it will deliver the company’s value proposition – in a specific country, region or global.

Prevent stagnation in the process – If the above people cannot agree, the proposal is sent to the leader which will decide the way forward. As mentioned before the entrepreneur may have to talk into a mirror or to a coach or mentor…

Input: Individuals that are consulted on the decision. These people will most probably be involved in the execution process.  They will not have veto rights, but it is important for them to agree.  This will assist in smooth execution.

Decide: This individual is the formal decision-maker that is the person accountable. This person can make the action to happen. Lastly but not least is to perform. This is the step where the responsible people will execute.

What to do when the project is stuck

When a project struggles to start or is delayed there are three trouble spots to look at: 

• Firstly, there is the uncertainty of who will make the decisions.
• Secondly, the “agree” group can make it unnecessarily difficult for the “recommenders”.
• Thirdly, is when there are too many people giving input. This is a clear indication that people do not have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.