THE SILENT MINORITY

  Decision making has always been a significant part of the main agenda in social and business dealings. Exchange of ideas and viewpoints during brainstorming sessions are necessary to arrive at a prudent decision in resolving issues.            The rule of the majority has been the prime part of a transactional culture which covers those…


 

Decision making has always been a significant part of the main agenda in social and business dealings. Exchange of ideas and viewpoints during brainstorming sessions are necessary to arrive at a prudent decision in resolving issues.

           The rule of the majority has been the prime part of a transactional culture which covers those that can be decided by one man alone. This applies when a collective decision is needed on the conference table. Leaders and members of a group observe the protocol in order to better substantiate their stand on an issue or concern.

It has been said that two heads are better than one.

          Most decisions consider the better interest of the greater number of people within an organization, more so the benefits that will be derived from the decisions that were made. In matters of resolution no matter how good the direction setting of the organization, making decisions becomes highly significant. Therefore, leaders should not forget that the collective interest of the group is all about the people in it.

          Group endeavors need the support of everybody in order to succeed. Good leaders are recognized for their ability and capability to direct the fluid flow of various projects and programs as accorded to the plan. However, he or she must also consider the views of the other members of among the group. When decision-making is at hand,  a leader usually gives an ear to the viewpoints of those in the group circle. In practice, a decision can be arrived at when the proponent in addressing an issue is qualified by a majority vote.

           However, the presence of the silent minority should never be set aside. The minority is there for a reason. They act as the balancing part of the scale between the pros and cons. The role of the minority is important because it is from them where the other side of the matter can be extracted from. Seeing the two sides of an issue will be of help in making good decision. Unfortunately, the minority are not always given the opportunity to air their side. The significant thing about the process is when the minority can present factual data to provide for the needs of the decision. Unfortunately, because of lacking the number to represent the voting process, the minority view is oftentimes overruled.

 

          As emphasized, a leader before arriving to a good decision must turn all the stones from the pros and the cons and not to forget to hear from the minority, because it is not that silent.

 

By: ADOR V.OPINIANO | TEACHER III | BNHS | BALANGA CITY, BATAAN