List every stakeholder in the decision, not only those whose name is on the deed. For each person, document five attributes.
Your checklist
- Objectives: what outcome do they actually want from this decision.
- Concerns: what worries them most about it.
- Incentives: what, financial or emotional, shapes the perspective they bring.
- Influence level: how much sway do they hold over the group, formal or informal.
- Decision authority: do they hold the legal power to bind the decision, yes or no.
- Highlight any objective shared across the group, since shared objectives under opposed positions are where deadlocks dissolve. Flag anyone whose influence far exceeds their authority, since that gap is where hidden conflict usually hides.
- Then ask the forcing question: if every stakeholder defines success differently, how will the final decision be made? Answer it before any offer is accepted, and confirm the agreement in writing.
Part of The House Decision — a complete guide to deciding well before you sell, keep, fix, or walk away.