Bharat Sangani: the desk request that arrived with a recommendation
Bharat Sangani illustrated delegation with a proposed desk purchase. The employee in his example explained the need, researched alternatives and stated what would happen unless the manager objected.
The request included the work already done
His example began with a broken desk and an explanation of how replacing it would affect the employee's work. The employee then compared a basic option with one that matched the office and reported having negotiated with a supplier.
A response window completed the proposal
The employee proposed ordering after 24 hours without an objection. Sangani used the example to describe the kind of thinking he wanted before a request reached him. The response window belonged to this illustration, alongside the research and proposed action.
In Bharat Sangani's words
"unless I hear from you in 24 hours, I'm gonna go ahead and ordered this desk" (Bharat Sangani, Family Office Club event talk introduced by Richard C. Wilson)
How to use this
- Include the reason for the purchase and the alternatives examined.
- Agree on which decisions can proceed after a stated response window.
Questions and answers
What came with the desk request?
A reason for replacement, research on alternatives and a proposed next action.
What was the response window in the example?
The employee proposed waiting 24 hours for an objection.