Terrell Samuels | The Hidden Cost of Undefined Decision-Making

Terrell Samuels

Many organizations struggle not because of a lack of effort, but because decision-making authority is unclear. Terrell Samuels points out that undefined decision-making structures often create delays, confusion, and unnecessary friction.

When it is unclear who owns a decision, progress slows. Teams wait for approval, revisit discussions repeatedly, or move forward cautiously without confidence. These delays compound, particularly in environments where timing and coordination are critical.

Undefined decision-making also increases risk. Assumptions replace clarity, and responsibility becomes diffused. When outcomes fall short, it becomes difficult to identify where breakdowns occurred or how to correct them.

Clear decision-making structures reduce this friction. They define who decides, who contributes input, and how disagreements are resolved. This clarity allows teams to move forward without constant hesitation or second-guessing.

According to Terrell Samuels, effective execution depends less on consensus and more on clarity. When decision-making roles are defined, progress becomes steadier, accountability improves, and outcomes become more predictable.