CODM Model

The CODM Model is a Tool that helps people in Decision-Making situations when working in a group.

• It was proposed by Tim Hartnett in 2011.

 

Its name is an acronym for the principle that it suggests:

• Consensus.
• Orientated.
• Decision.
• Making.

This Method suggests that Decision-Making processes produce much better results if Consensus is Pursued.

 

The question is:

• How is it possible to reach a Consensus?

1. Analyze: First, you should perfectly Describe what the Objective or Problem is.

• People tend to agree what the Ultimate Goal is.

 

2. Set Goals: You should then define what Goals you need to achieve.

• The Stages you must complete to ensure the Ultimate Goal.

 

3. Choose a Strategy: Third, Discuss which Strategy could be the most effective.

• By Reasoning and Comparing different Strategies, Consensus will appear.

 

4. Assign Roles: Establish the Role that each person involved would play.

• Based on their Knowledge and Skills.

 

5. Track Progress: Define How Progress will be measured.

• How Often, what Metrics and Who will be in charge.

CODM Model Template

 

We are aware that these Steps we proposed (based on our own experience) seem over-simplistic.

 

However, don’t forget this:

• People rarely argue about Objective data.

 

People argue about Opinions, not Numbers (if they are properly calculated).

• If you analyze things objectively, with numbers, people will reach Consensus more easily.

 

The best way to understand the CODM Model and How you can use it is by sharing some examples with you:

We have chosen 3 common situations in which the CODM Model can be of great help.

 

Let’s begin:

 

Let’s imagine that you lead a Work Team in your Company.

• Your Objective is to reduce the Manufacturing Costs of certain product

 

As you are aware of the CODM Model, you decide to apply it.

What do you do?

 

1. First you Analyze all the Costs involved.

• What materials this product needs.
• The amount of Energy required.
• The cost of labor.
• etc.

 

2. Second, you all discuss which Costs can be reduced.

• And How much.
  • By using other materials or processes.

 

3. Third, you all analyze what Strategies would be the best.

• Improve what already exists.
• A complete review of the manufacturing process.
• etc.

 

4. Fourth, you assign tasks to each member depending on their Experience.

• One member will be in charge of studying the compatible materials.
• Other member will be in charge of studying alternative Processes.
• etc.

 

5. Finally, you all decide How progress will be tracked.

• What metrics you will employ.
• How often these metrics will be updated.
• Who will be in charge of tracking progress and reporting back to you.

 

Now, let’s imagine that you are the coach of a Football team.

• Your Objective, of course, is to win the league.

 

How can you use the CODM Model in this situation?

 

1. First, you analyze each player and the opposing Teams.

• Who is faster and stronger.
• Who is more talented with the ball.
• Who has a better “vision of the game”.
• etc.

 

2. Second, you decide what Matches are more important.

• A Competition must be managed correctly.
  • Certain matches need more preparation than others.

 

3. Third, you decide the Strategy: How the Team will play.

• If they’ll be more “aggressive”, “attack more”, “defend”, etc.
  • Some Teams are always attacking while others wait more.

 

4. Then, you decide the position of each player.

• Explaining each player why he’ll be in that position.
  • Based on their Skills and style of playing.
• Also, you’ll decide who will be the Captain.

 

5. Finally, you establish and explain to them the metrics you’ll use.

• Possession of the ball.
• Goals scored per player.
• etc.

 

In this example, we’ll imagine that you are an Orchestra Director.

• Your ultimate Objective is, of course, to build an outstanding Orchestra.

 

How do you use the CODM Model?

 

1. First, you analyze each musician with private auditions.

• Violinists, Cellists, Oboe players, etc.

 

2. Second, you decide what Works you’ll have to perform perfectly.

• Mahler’s 5th symphony.
• Beethoven’s 3 Symphony.
• etc.

 

3. You’ll then decide what Strategy your Orchestra will follow.

• Focusing on each individual musician…
• … Or Focusing more on the whole Orchestra.

 

4. Then, you’ll decide the position of each musician.

• Who will be First and Second violin.
• Who will lead each group of instruments.
• etc.

 

5. Finally, you’ll establish a method to track progress.

• By using certain works as reference pieces.