Decisions and Consequences – Key Questions for Leaders

Mon, 2016-07-11 20:24 -- tomjonez

 

For the past number of weeks, I have been illustrating that Decision-making is not an easy process for anyone – especially for those in leadership. It is clear that when a leader makes a decision – for better or worse – it affects those being led as well as the leader personally.

As a result of this reality (of potential long-term consequences) I have explored the following questions as they may be useful when making decisions:

Is it ultimately good or just currently popular?

Is the choice I am considering really valuable or simply cheap/inexpensive?

Is it a smart investment or just a quick (hasty) fix?

Is it ultimately right or just barely legal?

Is it true or just a matter of opinion?

Is it just somewhat risky or is it actually dangerous?

Is it worth fighting against or should we run from it?

Is it long-lasting or only temporary?

You will notice that each of these questions is printed in a “blue” font.  That is because each of them are in reality a hyperlink to the brief commentary on each question that has been written and distributed over these previous weeks.  Feel free to read – or reread – any of them that may be particularly applicable to your situation. Simply click on the question that applies to you.

As I have pointed out along the way, some of these questions will be relevant and others not very useful - depending on the particulars of the situation and the decision at hand.

The point is this: as a leader, our decisions have consequences. And, taking the time to pause and reflect on the potential consequences of our decisions, prior to implementation, is a vital leadership skill for all of us.