David H. Maister highlights the risks associated with excessive collaboration in professional service firms, a phenomenon he refers to as "committee-itis." When too many individuals share responsibility for executing business strategies, it often leads to indecision and delays in implementation. This can hinder the firm's ability to act promptly and efficiently, ultimately affecting its performance and success.
The challenge lies in finding the right balance between collaborative decision-making and maintaining accountability. While teamwork is essential, an over-reliance on group consensus can slow down progress, making it crucial for firms to establish clear roles and responsibilities to ensure timely execution of strategies.