The Solomon Method is a structured influence framework designed to guide teams toward aligned decisions without direct commands. It emphasizes clarity of intent, transparent trade-offs, and shared responsibility for outcomes.
By mapping options, criteria, and stakeholders, the method turns complex disagreements into focused conversations. Teams using this approach typically see faster decisions, higher commitment, and fewer repeated debates.
How the Solomon Method Works at a Glance
| Phase | Goal | Key Activities | Typical Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame | Define the decision context | Shared problem statement | |
| Explore | Generate options and criteria | Comprehensive option set | |
| Evaluate | Assess options against criteria | Ranked options with rationale | |
| Commit | Choose and own the path forward | Clear decision and next steps |
Decision Framing in the Solomon Method
Effective framing sets the stage for productive collaboration. It prevents scope creep and keeps discussions anchored to the core problem.
Teams state the decision as a single sentence, list constraints, and agree on who must be consulted. A well-framed question invites diverse input while avoiding mission creep.
Option Exploration and Criteria Definition
Exploration encourages teams to step beyond the obvious solution. The method asks, what else could we try, and why might it matter. Divergent thinking here uncovers hidden opportunities.
Criteria capture what success looks like. Weighting factors such as impact, effort, risk, and fairness ensures that evaluation is consistent and transparent across stakeholders.
Evaluation, Commitment, and Execution
During evaluation, teams score options against predefined criteria and surface uncertainties. Structured discussion helps reconcile different perspectives without forcing consensus.
Commitment follows when the team explicitly endorses a path and assigns clear ownership. Execution checkpoints and feedback loops keep momentum and allow for course correction when conditions change.
Common Implementation Patterns
- Kickoff with a concise decision statement and clear time limits
- Use a shared workspace to capture options, criteria, and scores
- Rotate facilitation to reduce bias and build capability
- Document assumptions and validate them during evaluation
- Schedule follow-ups to review outcomes against expectations
Building Sustainable Decision Habits
Teams that practice the Solomon Method develop a shared language for choices. They move faster when alignment matters and slow down only where risk and impact demand it.
- Clarify the decision before opening the discussion
- Balance creativity and rigor in option exploration
- Weight criteria to reflect strategic priorities
- Document scores and rationales for future learning
- Review outcomes to refine the process over time
FAQ
Reader questions
When should I apply the Solomon Method instead of a casual discussion?
Use this method when stakes are high, multiple stakeholders are involved, and past casual discussions have led to repeated revisits of the same decisions.
How does this method handle strongly held individual opinions?
It channels opinions into shared criteria and evidence-based evaluation, giving each perspective a structured place while preventing dominance by any single voice.
Can small teams benefit from a formal process like this?
Yes, smaller teams gain clarity, reduce rework, and accelerate alignment when complex trade-offs appear, even if they keep the steps lightweight and time-boxed.
What if new information appears after a decision is committed?
The framework builds in checkpoints and ownership, making it easier to revisit assumptions, adjust the plan, and communicate changes without eroding trust.