Deciding Too late. Here, too, unchecked advoca.cy is frequently the source of the problem, and in these instances it takes two main forms. At times, a team hits gridlock: Warring factions refuse to yield, restating their positions over and over again. Without a mechanism for breaking the deadlock, discussions become an endless loop. At other times, people bend over backward to ensure evenhanded participation. Striving for At this point, it's the leader’s job to “call the question." Jamie Houghton, the longtime CEO of Coming, invented a vivid metaphor to describe this role. He spoke of wearing two hats when working with his senior team; He figuratively put on his cowboy hat when he wanted to debate with members as an equal, and he donned a bowler when, • as CEO, he called the question and announced a decision. The former role allowed for challenges and continued discussion; the latter signaled an end to the debate.