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The Eternal Dilemma Between Managers and Committees

In a volunteer project, Maria and her team had just 48 hours to deliver essential food baskets to a struggling community — and they still needed a truck no one could find.

Should they appoint a leader or form a group to decide?

That choice changed everything. But… was it the right one?

Maybe you’ve heard this saying:

“If you want results, appoint a manager. If you don’t want results, appoint a committee.”

It sounds like a joke — or a corporate proverb — but its echo goes far beyond boardrooms. It reaches small businesses, non-profits, associations, and even groups of friends planning a trip.

Let’s strip this dilemma of its biases and explore what’s really at stake.

Who’s been your “Maria” in a story like this?

When a Manager Becomes the Hero

A manager is like a captain steering a ship through a storm: They define the direction, cut through hesitation, and act with purpose.

Here’s what makes managers effective:

• Clear Accountability – Someone takes the helm and owns the outcome.
• Swift Decisions – No detours. Just point north and go.
• Execution Focus – Less talking. More doing.

Think of Tesla in 2020. As the pandemic disrupted supply chains, Elon Musk adjusted production within days, keeping operations steady. Speed won the day.

• Have you ever seen a manager turn the tide like that?

The Bright Side of Committees

Committees can also shine — when the context calls for it.

Think of them as a council of architects designing a bridge: they take longer, but they build with depth.

They’re most effective when:

• The problem is complex – More minds reveal better angles.
• Consensus is key – Without alignment, nothing moves.
• Legitimacy matters – The “how” is as important as the “what.”
• Diversity sparks insight – Different perspectives fuel better ideas.

Consider the Paris Agreement — a global committee aligned dozens of nations on climate policy. Or a local SME where a product launch plan gained strong buy-in after collaborative input.

• Have you seen a committee surprise you with real results?

Manager or Committee? Here's a Decision Map

Which path to choose? It depends on the terrain. Here’s a quick guide:

In a financial crisis, a manager may cut costs in hours. In a delicate merger, a committee may build the trust required to move forward.

The secret? Combine both

A clear leader supported by a consultative team can turn chaos into progress.

That’s how the startup Inovex turned a derailed project into a success story — blending decisive leadership with collective intelligence.

The Real Villain

What really derails progress?

It’s not the manager. It’s not the committee.

It’s indecision, cleverly disguised as discussion.

When we truly want to resolve, the path becomes clear. When we want to delay, committees become the perfect shelter.

• What’s held you back in that limbo?

Your Turn

From your experience:

·         When did the choice between manager and committee make all the difference?

• What lessons did you take away?
• What advice would you give someone at this crossroads?
• What story would you like to share?

Drop your favorite case in the comments — I’d love to hear it.