Making key decisions that can significantly affect your business, is always tricky. As a leader you certainly know this. Such decisions first require that you ask very specific questions of yourself and others. If you do not do this your decisions could be very short-sighted. In many cases, leaders wait too long to make a decision and they are unilateral and reactive. The Open Forum website has compiled five questions, to answer which should ease your mind when you hesitate to decide. They will help to prevent chaos and mistrust due to unpredictable and reactive decision making.
1. What decision has to be made?
Be explicit. If you are not able to express specifically what action should be taken to achieve the objectives or correct mistakes, narrow the focus and reconsider. If you have, e.g. the need to reduce costs to remain profitable, it is necessary to know what action the decision involves. Does it mean that you have to downsize staff, reduce recruitment or employee benefits? Narrow the focus of your decision with explicit steps. Consider the impact of each step and how to combine them.
2. Is it just your decision?
Do you have the power to make the decision yourself or do you need to work with someone else? Does every member's opinion carry the same weight? This question, although very important in a team decision, is often ignored. A broader, professional point of view is often critical to the decision outcome. Moreover, beware of the situation where you have already made the decision, and yet still require a response from the others. Discussion making with employees is a great team tool, but they all have to feel that their views have value.
3. How will your decision affect corporate culture?
The quality of your decision making will certainly affect the quality of your corporate culture. If the company is committed to a friendly working atmosphere, and its employees are not happy, then something is wrong. The decision making process is definitely part of the reason. Where did it all go wrong? Back to the drawing board and consider the previous advice about team discussion.
4. When is it necessary to make a decision?
Do not leave key decisions to the last minute. Indecision is a decision in itself but usually the result will not be the one you would have made if you were being decisive. Time management is particularly important for the effective planning and the subsequent success of your decision. Team members can better plan their activities and avoid potential failures without uncertainties.
5. Who will be the messenger of a decision?
A successful decision depends not only on how you formulate it, but also how you communicate it. Consider who you will need to contact and how. Is an oral transmission enough or would it be better to put it in writing to avoid any misunderstandings?
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