Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a jam and could really use your insights. I started my sysadmin role last year at a company that was in chaos—expired contracts, joint deals with businesses we didn't even work with anymore, and rolling contracts that hadn't been reviewed in years.
I've been the only IT person and have put in a ton of effort to sort through these contracts, optimize our services, and ensure our staff have what they need to do their jobs effectively. But, here's the catch: when I advise on which service provider we should choose, getting a final decision from management often takes weeks, even months.
I typically lay out the pros and cons of the options along with my recommendation. Still, I feel like I'm hurting my credibility every time a decision is delayed. Does anyone have tips on how I can streamline this decision-making process moving forward?
2 Answers
One thing you could do is present your findings clearly by saying, "We evaluated options A, B, and C, and given our needs, we should go with C for reasons X, Y, and Z." This approach conveys confidence and minimizes doubts from management.
I recommend that you state the service provider you're leaning towards along with your reasoning. Then, set a deadline for moving forward—ideally within two weeks—unless management has concerns. Also, consider holding a meeting to go over your proposal; this way, you'll likely get approval unless there are any objections. You've got the responsibility, so don’t hesitate to use your authority! Just be ready to face any consequences if things don't pan out as planned.
I get that! But my approach has always been to make sure I'm accountable for my recommendations. It’s tough when decisions rest with management and you can’t always pull the trigger, though. Just keep bringing them the best options!
If you feel some hesitation about using your authority, try presenting only the two best options for the business, clearly outlining the pros and cons of each. Avoid suggesting anything that isn't a practical solution, even if it seems budget-friendly. Remember, spending a little more for something that truly meets our needs is always preferable over going for the cheapest option that falls short.