Driving can be so peaceful in the country—so many beautiful things to look at. What is that in the road? A rabbit! It better move. It is in the way. A decision, a choice must be made before it is too late.
The rabbit has made it more than halfway across the road to the other side. Just keep going. My car is almost there. Then a quick turn and my foot on the brake, the rabbit went back from where he left. Who saw that coming? What kind of decision was that?
Making decisions takes a great deal of skill. Leaders are faced with high pressure, deadlines, complex situations, unexpected circumstances, and the unbelievable at times. To make decisions, a strategy supported by skills is a need and quality for every leader.
Tips for making decisions
- Take a breath of fresh air, and don’t let the stress get to you! Emotions should not be part of decision-making.
- Time! If you do not have to respond immediately, wait!
- Focus on solutions. Weigh the pros and cons.
- Review goals and values. Compare solutions to these.
- Consider all possibilities.
- Talk, discuss, and question.
- Rethink your options.
- Make your decision.
The more you practice quality strategies in making decisions, the better you become at decision making. It doesn’t always work out that you have the time to go through all of the tips, but if you are solid in your beliefs, goals, and values, the more straightforward it becomes.
Strategies for Decison Making
- What is your decision?
- What information have you gathered to support it?
- What are alternatives that could be utilized?
- What evidence do you have to support your decision?
- How does the decision you propose compare to alternatives?
- Now apply your decision with action steps
- Finally, analyze the decision
Decisions are best made when you can take the time with your team to present several different ideas to look at all views. There are times when as the leader, you have to make snap decisions. In the case of the rabbit, making a snap decision was based on the actions of others. The rabbit was in control of the situation. The decision was made, steps were taken, and the rabbit made it to the other side of the road.
How do you make decisions? Do you provide opportunities for others to be involved? Do you find it easy or difficult when making decisions?
Looking forward to more discussions on decision-making as we move forward in our leadership. Thank you for being part of the solution daily.