As a leader, you will be pressed to make decisions that have the potential to help or hurt your organization. This pressure is tremendous, but I want to encourage you. This is why God called you to be the leader. It is a privilege to lead people and make a decision that will change others' lives for the better. I want to share how we, as leaders, can make better decisions.
Decisions come in all sizes. There are small and large decisions that one has to make.
One must understand risk. Every decision comes with risk. The size of the risk will determine the robustness of the decision-making process, for example, when making a large purchase. Similarly, deciding whether to buy land or a specific type of pencil should take different amounts of time and have a separate process.
Here are some questions to consider when making decisions:
Do I have the correct information? - It is challenging to make a good decision with insufficient information. It is your responsibility to get the best information that is accurate. Please understand that sometimes you must make key decisions with limited info. But note that the information you have should be enough for you to make a sound decision. Obtaining information comes through people, research, conversations, etc. For example, if you hire a person, you will get information, such as interviews, references, background checks, etc. There is still risk involved, but information helps you mitigate that risk. This is how you tackle decisions.
Has anyone else been successful in what I am trying to do? - We often try to reinvent the wheel and use too much creative juice to make decisions. Instead, why don't we research other organizations and see how they manage key decisions? This is why I love the role of mentors and coaches—especially those who have done what you are trying to do. Don't allow your pride to get in the way. Watch and listen.
What do key stakeholders in my life say about this decision? Talk to key people in your life and listen. A leader's strength is the people he or she surrounds himself with. Life is a team sport. The stakeholders include mentors, your leadership team, your board, friends (the right ones), etc. This list is not exhaustive, but I think you get the point. Proverbs 15:22 says, "Plans fail when there is no counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." Self-made does not exist. We all need wisdom from others to make better decisions.
As a man of faith, I cannot close this blog without suggesting prayer. You must dedicate your time and energy to praying about the decision. Wisdom comes from God, not from man. He sends people and resources to help, but it's from Him. I will leave you with two scriptures to meditate and pray on. Have a great day!
3 Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be established. -- Proverbs 16:3 (CSB)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight. -- Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB)
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