Leaders, not just elected officials, are also taking “informal” polls all the time to understand what people are thinking on various topics. They may consult with advisors, direct reports and line people to get a variety of opinions on a specific issue. While all this is very appropriate so that you can make an informed decision, in the end the leader needs to decide what action to take, or not take.
If a leader waits to get everyone on board for a particular decision you can be sure that any advantage that might have been garnered by moving quickly has been lost. Leaders today are less of the old boss with a dictatorial style of decision making, but the leader must still lead by making independent decisions.
