Three Steps Leaders Must Take to Become Better Decision-Makers

One of the toughest jobs of being a leader is making good decisions.

The pressure of intense decision-making can be overwhelming. This angst is so common to those in leadership that the term “decision paralysis” has entered into standard business vernacular.

So, how can a leader avoid “decision paralysis”? At DuoParadigms, when our team is faced with a decision, we’ve started taking three key actions. These steps help lead us to a wise plan of action.

Here’s what to do when you don’t know what to do:

1. Pray about the decision.

If a decision is important enough for you to give it even the slightest consideration, it is important enough for you to pray about.

As Christians, we believe that God can guide our steps, but far too often, we don’t take time for Him to show us the path. Ask God to show you His work: “Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.” Psalm 90:16

Also, don’t forget to ask for wisdom. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

2. Review the decision through the “apples” on your “decision tree”.

Have you ever heard of making a “decision tree”? This simple exercise can maintain the focus of your organization while helping you review the decision ahead.

Watch this fascinating exposition of a “decision tree” by Chris Hogan (if you can’t view the video, click here):

Our team has enjoyed creating a decision tree. We created a diagram of a tree with “apples” on it, with each apple representing a question that our team considers before considering new projects, taking on new clients, pursuing new directions, etc.

Here are a few of the apples you can find on our tree:

– Does this align with our CORE VALUES?

– Is this SUSTAINABLE with our current commitments?

– Is this going to help us GROW personally and as a business?

– Is this FINANCIALLY PROFITABLE?

– If this is not financially profitable, is this something that we are PASSIONATE and CALLED TO DO?

Answering “no” to one of these items doesn’t necessarily mean we toss the idea out the window, but each “no” helps us weigh the decision more thoroughly and examine the short and long term effects of our decisions.

3. Take Action

Once we finish reviewing a decision through our decision tree, it’s time to take action.

Organizations can’t afford to have analysis paralysis. Purpose to give every decision a YES or a NO within a timely period of time. Don’t be afraid to say “no”! If the decision is “yes”, get started! Take action and start moving in the right direction.

By taking action immediately, you’ll maintain momentum. Decisions that languish without action are just as bad (if not worse) than indecision.

YOUR TAKEAWAYS:
– Start holding regular times to pray with your team about decisions you are facing.
– Work on creating a decision tree.
– Once you make a decision, purpose to take action immediately.

HELP US ALL GROW:
What are some of the questions that your team has found helpful to ask when considering decisions? Share your answer with us on Facebook.

Aaress Lawless has over ten years of experience working in the field of PR, and has worked with and been cited by many leading outlets including Microsoft, The New York Times, Reuters, ESPN, CNET, and the Sydney Morning Herald. Aaress is dedicated to helping you put God first in your business and will work with you to craft a public relations or web design approach best suited to your unique needs.