The HPPO Issue (Highest-Paid Person's Opinion)

The HPPO Issue (Highest-Paid Person's Opinion)

In hierarchical companies, one is used to hearing and thoughtlessly following the “highest-paid person’s opinion” or HPPO. In many instances these HPPO’s are necessary and very positive. The HPPO tends to carry weight due to experiences, vision, background, knowledge and connections. In taking one’s title off the table, shouldn't this be true of anyone’s opinion?
If there is a decision that needs to be made, aren't all of us smarter than one of us? If any given person’s experience is germane to the issue and has value, their opinion should count for just as much, given that they can structure an argument effectively and present it to the group. It isn't dissension if a group disagrees; in fact numerous studies show that group affirmation and agreeability could be devastating to teams.

The HPPO should only be taken at face value in one situation, when there is no relevant knowledge or data. A position can be stated, but to give it enough weight to create a winning argument, you need to state it with facts, evidence or data. Job status can decide priorities, goals and direction for an organization, in fact that is in large what a HPPO is doing, but when looking for effective leadership and making  the right, informed decisions, getting input from a variety of experienced sources is necessary. Getting the opinion of others, different view points, and alternative thinking, which creates great results, ownership, value, and transparency among an organization. Humility goes a long way for leaders – or HPPOs – but it goes even further when they make the best decisions by gathering all data through the informed experience and opinions of those hired to help grow the business.

So, go ahead – give them the opportunity to help your business grow and make the best decisions.

-thePonderingNick