We’ve all been there. We’ve just presented a great argument – we are all on the same page.
And then we hear it: “This makes sense. I just need to discuss this with __________
So, it’s ok that they discuss it, it’s just, if you’d known, you would have taken a different tack.
Fortunately, from now on this need not ever happen. Bob Burg, author of the Go Giver and Adversaries into Allies suggests something like this:
“Steve, along with you, who else will be in on the decision-making process?”
The benefits of this wording – you’ve given Steve status, protected the ego and made the point that it’s good for every decision-maker to be there.
And if the decision-maker cannot be there. That’s your choice. You may delay the session, or change its focus to educate Steve in the best way to present the case to others.