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.