Repair 03: When “More Input” Is Actually the Problem
Why collaboration sometimes slows progress
The Problem
Someone suggests getting more input.
Then someone else agrees.
Then another voice gets added.
Soon, a simple decision turns into a long process.
More meetings.
More opinions.
More delay.
Collaboration is important. But too much input at the wrong time can quietly stop progress.
Why This Keeps Happening
This usually shows up when:
People are trying to be inclusive but avoid decisions
There is fear of making the wrong call
Past pushback made people cautious
Input is gathered without a clear purpose
It feels respectful.
It feels thorough.
It often replaces action.
The Fix
The goal is not less collaboration.
The goal is the right collaboration at the right time.
Here is how to fix it.
Step 1: Decide Why You Are Asking for Input
Before asking for feedback, answer this question:
“What will this input change?”
If the answer is “nothing,” do not ask for it.
Input should improve a decision, not delay it.
Step 2: Be Clear About What Is Not Up for Debate
Say this plainly:
What is already decided
What is flexible
What feedback will influence
People give better input when they know the boundaries.
Step 3: Limit Who Is Asked and How
Not everyone needs to weigh in on everything.
Choose input based on:
Experience
Impact
Responsibility
Use short formats:
One question
One page
One deadline
More voices do not always mean better clarity.
Step 4: Close the Loop
After input is gathered, name what happened next:
What changed
What stayed the same
Why the decision was made
This builds trust and reduces repeat debates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Asking for feedback after a decision is already made
Treating silence as agreement
Reopening decisions to keep the peace
Confusing input with approval
Input is a tool.
It is not the decision.
What to Do This Week
Try this simple checklist:
⬜ Write down why input is needed
⬜ Name what is and is not flexible
⬜ Ask only the people who truly need to weigh in
⬜ Set a clear deadline for feedback
⬜ Communicate the final decision
This will shorten timelines immediately.
How This Fits Into the Bigger Picture
Too much input often signals unclear decision roles. When everyone is responsible, no one is accountable.
This is a common issue addressed through our Organizational Capacity Building work, where the focus is on helping groups collaborate without getting stuck.
Keep Going
This post is part of The Downtown Repair Manual, a field guide to fixing common downtown problems one issue at a time.
Collaboration works best when it has a clear job.