Become a Better Leader and Decision Maker * Incedo Group

Become a Better Leader and Decision Maker

It’s not always easy making decisions. As a leader, you are often faced with many crossroads that will test your decision-making skills.

Most of the time, the decision you make will have either positive or negative implications not only to yourself but also to the people around you-your employees, colleagues, customers, and more.

One of the most important leadership skills to develop is responsible decision-making. Learning how to weigh options, plan for the next steps, and foresee what can come out of the choices you make is a critical skill every leader must develop. All leaders have to make decisions in their career, and sadly they have made regrettable decisions one too many times.

Great leaders understand that great decision-making comes with the ability to filter information such that you focus only on what is necessary to make a sound decision. Here are a few elements that will help you focus on what’s important and filter out what you do not need to make a good, wise decision.

Instincts

Follow your instincts. There will be times that all you have going to help you make a good decision is your instincts. Don’t ignore them or push them aside as simply emotions. Pay attention and see what they are telling you.

Data

It’s tedious to collect data, but gathering accurate data is fundamental to making sound decisions. However, be careful about two things. First collect the right data, that which you need to make the decision. And two, don’t collect more than you need which leads to overwhelm and analysis paralysis.

Information

When data is processed into material that is meaningful, then you get useful information. With this, you will have a better basis for making decisions.

Knowledge

There is information that has been proven based on experience or tested data. A solid leader always opts to assess his knowledge of a given subject before deciding. If you don’t have the knowledge, ask others who do.

Here are other tips that may help you in making decisions:

Tip #1: Analyze the situation and the need for making a decision. Do you need to make a decision right away or do you have time to collect data before making a decision?

Tip #2: Ask yourself how people would react if they knew your decision. Subjecting yourself to the scrutiny of others can often help you in the process of making the best decision. Make sure you know who will benefit from the decision, why such a decision is necessary, and what data and information you have and are using to make the decision.

Tip #3: Assess the risks surrounding your decision. Study the scenario and possible risks factors you are facing as you choose between your available options.

Tip #4: Put your leadership skills into action. Go back to your value system, your business’s mission or vision, and the philosophies you believe in. Do not compromise these just to make a decision that may seem beneficial.

Tip #5: Finally, decide and don’t leave the responsibility to decide to other people just because you can’t make up your mind. You can’t evade decision-making as a leader. And you have to live with the consequences of your decisions.