In Leadership, There Is Only 'Yes' Or 'No' |

5 Steps To Better Decisions In Leadership

Written by JT on December 7, 2009

We live in a very dynamic world; a world in which we are served with many options to convolute our decision-making process. Don’t get me wrong, I love options. In fact, one of my greatest mentors told me “life is run by those who have lots of excellent options.”

And he is right.

But my mentor also taught me the converse to the “lots of excellent options” concept. He taught me the power of making a decision.

You see, in business, just as in life, we are often faced with lots of decisions. And leaders–true leaders–are faced with tough decisions, seemingly on a daily basis.

Leaders cannot afford the luxury of waffling during decision time. When the game is on the line, and tough decisions must be made, leaders either say ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

There is only ‘yes’ or ‘no’. ‘Maybe’ is a dream-killer.

Entrepreneurs often look at leaders of industry and aspire to follow in their footsteps. If you look at the highest-paid people in any given industry, you will find decision-makers and action-takers.

Rarely do leaders, winners, and champions waste time making decisions. Sure, they study a situation and collect as much data as possible before shoving the throttles open, but true leaders do so in an expeditious manner.

And once they make a decision, they stick to it and follow through to completion.

Nothing is more annoying than someone who cannot make a decision. Be it simple or complex, succinct decision-making comes down to a few key factors:

1.) Self-respect. Having enough faith in yourself to make the right decision in crunch time is critical in leadership.

2.) Respect for others. Asking dozens of ridiculous questions simply to satisfy one’s own insecurities is not only disrespectful, but it is counterproductive. It tells the people with whom you are dealing that you are either not serious about winning or not confident enough to proceed. Either way you are setting yourself up for failure, and wasting everyone’s time.

3.) Quickly process information. Nobody wants to work with a super computer, and everyone understands a period of time is required where both parties take time to process information and consider all the information. Leaders do it with urgency. Leaders know that the end result is designed to be a win-win for all parties involved. The only way this can happen is with expeditious progress toward a decision.

4.) Make the decision then stick to it. Just saying this out loud allows leaders to get to their decision more quickly and more confidently. Having the self-confidence to stick to a decision that one’s own intellect empowered them to make defines a true leader.

5.) Follow through. Leaders are hungry to get moving once the decision is made because that is when the fun begins! Don’t get me wrong, the art of the deal and the fun of putting together a win-win scenario is a rush. But leaders love the rest of the equation, and that is the part that comes after the decision is made. This passion is another key factor that assists leaders, winners and champions in making sound and timely decisions.

Leadership is a dynamic, exciting and challenging world. That is why there are no height or weight requirements, age or experience parameters set, or clear definitions of who is or who can be a true leader.

However, one of the single-most important factors in determining success in any leadership role is the ability to make a solid and rapid decision.

Remember: in the game of success, there is only ‘Yes’ or ‘No”. ‘Maybe’ is a dream-killer.

~JT
jt@ShiftOfMomentum.com