Ask HN: Tracking 'bad' decisions

2 points by edoceo 10y ago ↗ HN

Assume the role of CTO for a start up. One must advise the company on "the Way". Sometimes (many?) a decisision is made that is not in alignment with this path.

There is desire to say/show "I told you so" or perhaps "Your good idea sounds like the one I described four months ago, its about time"

How do you track these decision points that you dont agree with?

Digging through email or chat or code takes a long time.

Any tips for tracking, logging, or some kind of capture?

Is there any real gain?

3 comments

[ 3.5 ms ] story [ 21.2 ms ] thread

pm24601 10y ago ↗

Questions:

1. why isn't your opinion respected?

2. are you proposing something (as an advisor) or leading as a CTO?

3. do you have internal credibility?

It sounds like you are not really the CTO in spite of the job title - if you have to go back and say "see I told you so".

Much deeper issues happening here.

edoceo 10y ago ↗

#1 is what we seek the answer to.

#2 CTO

#3 Apparently not, its what we are currently evaluating

nwrk 10y ago ↗

Been exactly there. Started using Loomio[0] Open source, Selfhosted, Collaborative Decision-Making and surprise many issue resolved.

When you and involved people voice the opinion, cast the vote in open and in written - was like a miracle. It's also very easy to go back and review the reasons / arguments.

Wish you good luck, not easy situation.

[0] https://www.loomio.org/