Our Greatest Decision Struggle
These information-related dilemmas are problematic for leaders, but neither represents the greatest decision obstacle. These information struggles tend to be more excuses than impediments.
Excuses for what, you ask?
Excuses to not make the decisions they know need to be made.
This is the problem with decisions. Once made, they require implementation. For instance:
- Considering if a staff member needs to be released differs from deciding to release them.
- Pondering if the organization needs to evolve differs from deciding to change the structure.
- Expressing curiosity about the staff culture isn’t the same as actively deciding to evaluate, engage in hard conversations, and change the culture.
It’s the ramifications of the decision that create our greatest decision struggle.
In most cases, leaders know what decision to make. They’re just afraid to make it. They’re worried about the ramifications, the hard conversations, and the potential fallout. But decisions are a primary focus of leadership. They can’t be ignored. Or overlooked. After all, not making a decision is a decision.
A Real-Time Leadership Example
I work with some great marketplace and ministry leaders. I was sitting in the office with one of these leaders last month, discussing a decision he was making. I asked him several questions, concluding with, “What decision should you make?”
In the privacy of his office, with only me listening, he answered immediately. He knew what needed to happen. He didn’t need more information or time to process. He knew.
He also knew that this decision would require some hard conversations and may disappoint some staff members. It was the right decision for the mission and organization, but the decision wouldn’t necessarily be welcomed by all.
As we discussed the decision, I asked, “What’s keeping you from making the decision you know is best?“
Turns out, this was a painful and clarifying question. His response was what we both knew was true: The ramification of the decision was the obstacle.
When You Know…
Leaders make decisions. It’s part of the job. In many ways, it is the job.
Our most significant challenge isn’t knowing what to decide but moving forward with the decision. When you’ve gathered information, sought wisdom, and considered all the options, don’t allow fear to delay decisions. Refusing to decide is a decision, and it’s often the worst decision you can make.
Let’s end with a few questions:
- What decisions are you facing?
- Have you gathered enough information? Have you sought wisdom? Have you evaluated options?
- What’s keeping you from making a decision, really?
- What potential ramifications are the most unnerving?
- What will happen if you make a decision?
- What will happen if you refuse to decide?
Remember, if leadership were easy, everyone would do it. You’re a leader for a reason. You’re entrusted with a team, department, ministry, or organization. Leadership is a stewardship and requires decisions. I encourage you to evaluate how you make decisions and, more importantly, why you delay decisions.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.Â
