Dennis Bakke just released his book, “Decision Maker: Unlock the Potential of Everyone in Your Organization, One Decision at a Time.” In a minute, I will tell how to win a fee copy of the book.
If someone asked you for the key to employee engagement, happiness at work or bottom line results, what would you say? Chances are it would be something like pay-for-performance, employee benefits, a safe work environment or plenty of 
opportunities. My guess is, decision-making authority would not be at the top of your list, but Dennis Bakke thinks it should.
Dennis first introduced the importance of decision making in his book “Joy at Work: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job“. Since then, the co-founder and former CEO of AES (a global Fortune 200 power company) and CEO of Imagine Schools, authored a follow up book entitled, “The Decision Maker: Unlock the Potential of Everyone in Your Organization, One Decision at a Time”. The book is Based loosely on Bakke’s experience implementing the Decision Maker Process at AES. Through story, Bakke chronicles the opportunity, struggles and benefits of driving decision-making throughout a company, together with an Advice Process.
I had the opportunity to interview Dennis on the Decision Maker process and here’s what he had to say:
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Questions I asked Dennis Bakke included:
1. What is the Decision-Making process and how did you uncover it’s importance?
2. How does the Decision-Making process unlock the potential of employees that are often overlooked?
3. What role does persistence play in the successful implementation of the Decision-Maker process?
4. Besides the benefits to the business, what is the Decision-Maker process so important?
5. What would you say to someone who does not believe their company will adopt the Decision maker process?
To win a free copy of The Decision Maker
Just do the following:
1. Subscribe to this blog. If you’re not already a subscriber, click here to subscribe for free (UPDATE – sorry, this link has expired).
2. Leave a comment below. Tell me why you want a copy of the book. The more creative, the better. Click here for comments.
3. Spread the word. Share this post on Twitter or Facebook. Send a Tweet by clicking here or Facebook by click here.
On Tuesday, March 19th, I will choose three winners for a free copy of the book, based solely on my preference of the comments and Twitter or Facebook content. Thanks and good luck!
Question: What do think of the Decision Maker process? You can leave a comment here.
Legal Stuff (aka Promotion Rules & Regulations):
– No purchase necessary.
– Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
– Entries may be received between March 12, 2013 and March 18, 2013.
– One entry per person.
– Value of the prize is estimated at $15.00 (fifteen U.S. Dollars).
– U.S. residents 18 and older are eligible.
– Disclosure: Although I never promote something I would not buy myself, I was provided a free, advanced copy of this book by the author
11 thoughts on “Dennis Bakke Interview – The Decision Maker Process”
Decision making is a process, and is much more than just deciding on a new approach to increase profits.
Leaders need to know and practice good decision-making in every aspect of their leadership practices, such as: about employee behavioral issues; new policies to improve efficiency and productivity; new equipments to improve employee proficiency; new training methods; and when making recommendations to upper level management.
People don’t realize that they are making decisions every day. There is a logic to making the best decisions.
Obviously, this book would be a great read for everyone to improve their personal decision-making reasoning and practices.
Great interview and insight into the book.
I always appreciate your insights, David. I think you will enjoy how this book focuses more on empowering others to make better decisions than the traditional leader may make on their own.
Thank for this interesting interview. I do agree that servant leaders have courage and capacity to enable others to be responsible and to make decistion, simple but still needs a lot of awareness, knowledge and skills, mostly skills in be able to care for others :). Best wishes from Sigrún, Greenleaf Iceland (www.thjonandiforysta.is).
Thank you, Sigrun, for the great insight. I agree. Keep spreading the awareness and serving in Iceland.
Always looking for a new method to create more decision makers. Thanks for the video interview.
Always looking for a new method to create more decision makers. Thanks for the video interview
Thank you, DL. I like the positive attitude and consistent search of new opportunities.
The book sounds like not only a good read but one with good ideas. I don’t dovfacebook or tweet, probably my age, but I am tryongvtobdevelop a library on leadership books as I teach 2 and am involved in their review and update.
I’m learning how important decision making is to effective leadership. I tend to be one who wants all the information I can get before making a decision which can lead to not making a decision, or at least not making it as quickly as I should. I need to learn to be comfortable making a decision without having all the details. I recently read that fear is the main cause for indecision and that indecision is the greatest thief of opportunity. This book seems like a great tool to help leaders overcome fear and to maximize opportunities that might be missed because of indecision
Great point. Yes, fear is definitely one of the inhibitors revealed in the book. I think you would appreciate the examples it contains.
Authentic leadership… authentic conversations… authentic decision making … All of these practices are intertwined, and require practice. This is not the kind of practice that was required when I learned to play piano (practice by rote); this is a kind of practice that is based on enjoyment, love and service! Solid core values lead to solid decision-making. I am fascinated by the decision-making process – and how to improve my abilities so that I will lead a happier life, and that others around me can do the same – whether these persons are close to me or passers-by.