Making decisions in leadership
Making decisions is part of everyday life. From the small decisions like what to have for dinner, to those big choices such as what path to take in your career. The decision-making continues when you’re in the workplace. As a leader, you’re likely to make important decisions that have a large impact on a frequent basis. With this in mind, it’s crucial that you are confident in all your choices when in the working environment. Here at DLC Training, we have put together some top tips to help you become a confident decision-maker:

Be clear on your goal

Identify what you are looking to achieve. A clear goal will prevent external factors from affecting the decision-making process.

Gather as much relevant information as possible

Facts and figures are vital when it comes to decision making. Be sure that you can support your decision with valid, reliable information.

Be aware of decision deadlines

Last minute decisions in our personal lives can create some of the best memories. Although, the same can’t be said for last minute decisions in the workplace. If you leave a decision until the last minute at work, the outcome could be very problematic. It could also be difficult to rectify.
 
The best way to avoid this would be to make a decision, sit with it for a day or two and then revisit it. This will allow you time to think of potential drawbacks. You can then be even more confident in your final decision moving forward.

Consider the long-term benefits

When it comes to workplace decisions, make sure the choices you make will benefit the organisation long-term. Decisions that benefit the minority or create short-term wins aren’t going to be the best decisions for future situations. By understanding your organisations long-term goals, you can align your decision making.

Look at the benefits and risks for each option

Make a trusty pros and con lists, and top it off with the costs associated with each option. A solution that seems cost-effective but has lower benefits is likely to be more of a short term solution. Identify the options that appear to benefit the business long-term, and then consider the costs for each of these to inform your decision.

Proportion effort to scale of importance

Make sure the amount of time you’re spending on a decision is based on its importance. It seems logical that the more critical the decision is, the more time you should spend on it. However, how long we spend on a decision can often come down to how difficult it is to make, rather than how important it is.

When decisions are more difficult to make, we’re likely to procrastinate and leave it until the last minute. So the next time you have an important decision to make which is also difficult, make sure you’re spending a good amount of time making that decision.

Don’t let your mood make your decision

Our moods can often alter the way we make decisions. It’s important to try and avoid decision-making when you’re feeling a certain way. For example, if you’ve got a never-ending to-do list, or you haven’t had time for lunch, or you’re generally in a bad mood. Make sure you come at every decision from a neutral and logical perspective. You’re sure to be happier with your choice in the long-run if you haven’t let your emotions take over.
 
Following these tips is a great way to ensure you make the best decision for yourself as a leader, your team and your business. When you start checking these tips in every decision you make, it will become second nature. You’ll then find yourself naturally working through the decision-making process and yielding the best results with ease.