Hurdles to Growing and Sustaining a DQ Organization - 2025 SDP Annual Conference & Workshops

Abstract:

This workshop delves into the challenges associated with growing and sustaining an internal Decision Quality function within an organization. We will examine a number of common difficulties that are typically encountered on the DQ journey and discuss potential mitigating strategies.

Change in Leadership – Leaders come and go over time; this will likely include your DQ executive sponsor.
“No Vacancy” – Some potential allied departments may be resistant to becoming DQ partners.
“Language” – Use the target group’s language to describe what you’re doing; easier for them to understand and may be less objectionable.
“Flavor of the Month” – What to do to avoid having DQ be just seen as the latest management fad in your organization. Is AI seen as a replacement for DQ discussions?
Practitioner Capabilities – How to be proactive about capability training and developing career paths for members of your DQ team.
A Seat at the Table – How best to ensure that your DQ has representation at the Decision Board.
New Eyeglasses Effect – Implementation of DQ for part of the portfolio may make these projects seem less desirable than projects for which DQ has not been applied.
“Cultural Mismatch” – Not fitting with/tailored to the culture of the organizations.

Throughout the workshop, the leaders will share insights gained from their own experiences, as well as those elicited from a collection of interviews conducted with practicing decision professionals with experiences over a thirty-year period. This workshop has been updated from 2024 to include perspectives from a new set of practicing decision professionals with more recent experiences.