3 Things to Consider When Making Your Next Big Decision

Michael Labertew

Leadership in any capacity requires a multitude of

particular attributes and skills, including making major

decisions at a moments notice; decisions that can potentially

have long-lasting and profound impacts.

The challenge is, that unfortunately not every leader is

willing to make a so called “executive decision” for fear for

being considered “wrong” or “unpopular”. Making a tough

call is certainly not easy but when the time comes, it’s necessary.

To help make the decision to the best of your ability, Jeff Boss – Writer, Speaker, Adaptability Coach and Contributor to

Entrepreneur.com, has compiled a list of 5 Criteria to Consider When Making Your Next Big Decision.

Here are the first 3:

The purpose of the decision

It is crucial to remember the purpose that each decision is based on. Draw example from the

military, where there was (and still is) “a pecking order of priority upon which decisions are

based”. The mission is at the forefront. Then think of what is best for the team and lastly,

think of what serves the individual. The individual always comes last because “he or she [is] the smallest link in the organizational chain”

and basing decisions on what serves you best isn’t helpful; it is the opposite of looking out for your team and being a part of an organization.

Wrong is never permanent

Boss states that “failure is only determined by where you choose to stop”. Therefore,

it’s important to remember that if a decision ultimately ends up being the

wrong one, it can generally be changed. Also, “wrong” may not be the best choice

of words here – a major decision can impact various levels of an organization, and oftentimes the ultimate decision isn’t

ideal for everyone.

Although there can be negative effects for one portion of an

organization, it doesn’t make the overall decision a wrong one. “See as many viewpoints as you can to enhance your understanding of

the situation”

Timeline to execution

Be aware of the fact that a timeline can be affected by various components

that can be grouped under the following two umbrellas: internal and

external influences. Internal influences are mostly in your control; they “refer

to the competency of you and your team to execute the decision in the

time allotted”. External influences on the other side are out of your control;

they encompass things such as weather, the economy and market

demand.

The read the original article and learn about the last two criteria, head on over to Entrepreneur.com.