Accountability is a significant challenge for product organizations for a variety of reasons, such as the complexity of product development, the constantly changing market demands, and the pressure to deliver on time and within budget. However, participatory decision-making can help teams overcome these issues. A collaborative approach that involves stakeholders of all types ensures a diverse set of voices are heard, and decisions are made using a consensus-building process. Involving everyone in a team or organization in this group process encourages transparency, accountability, and collaboration, leading, ultimately, to a more effective product development process. One company that successfully implemented participatory decision-making is Patagonia, an outdoor clothing and gear retailer. Patagonia's sustainability director, Cara Chacon, recognized that their product development process needed improvement. She wanted to ensure that their products were sustainable and environmenta...