“I love it when a plan comes together.” — John “Hannibal” Smith, The A-Team
That iconic line came to mind last week while I facilitated a Design Sprint. Watching people from different backgrounds, education levels, and priorities come together to solve a complex problem reminded me of the strategic planning sessions I’ve experienced over the years.
Whether you’re tackling big challenges or refining your organization’s goals, success often comes down to three key leadership principles: Collaboration, Consensus, and Command.
1. Collaboration: Establishing Value
The first step in any strategic process is building collaboration. During the sprint, we began with icebreakers and problem context. Why? Because many participants had never met, let alone worked together.
Collaboration starts when team members understand two things:
The problem they’re solving.
The value they bring to the table.
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to make each person’s value known to the group. When people feel valued and understand their role, true collaboration can take place.
2. Consensus: Finding Common Ground
Once the team understood the problem and potential obstacles, something powerful happened—they began to see common solutions. This isn’t guaranteed in every process. Egos, competing priorities, or unclear objectives can cloud progress.
Here’s the key: Consensus is preferred, but it’s not required.
Sometimes, the team will naturally align. Other times, you’ll need to move forward despite disagreement. Either way, the process of discussion and shared input creates clarity and builds momentum.
3. Command: The Role of the Decider
In the Design Sprint, the group selected a “decider”—someone with the most knowledge about the problem. That person had the final say when consensus couldn’t be reached.
Leadership often requires stepping into that decider seat. You listen, you gather input, but ultimately, you make the call. Why? Because:
Teams exist for a reason. They bring collective expertise.
Leaders exist for a reason. To guide the team forward when decisions need to be made.
Command doesn’t diminish collaboration; it ensures progress.
Keep This in Mind
Whether you’re leading a Design Sprint, a strategic planning session, or any collaborative effort, the balance of collaboration, consensus, and command is what drives results.
Value your team’s input.
Guide them toward consensus.
Step up to decide when needed.
When you embrace these principles, your team can solve problems, build strategy, and move forward—no matter the challenge.
David A. Specht Jr. is publisher and editor of BIZ. and President of Specht Newspapers, Inc.