We were in crisis management mode. I briefed the leader and her team about the situation, the options available, and our recommendation. After the briefing, she asked her leadership team for their thoughts. Most of them concurred. “How long do I have to make this decision?” she asked. We need a decision now. She approved the recommendation and we moved into execution mode. The crisis was averted. This leader was well prepared to handle this situation because she always asked insightful questions when making decisions.
I believe that all leaders want to make good decisions
All The Way Leadership! believes that strong leaders know how to make good decisions. They usually make good decisions for their teams. Based on my experience it is because strong leaders ask good questions. Below you will find four insightful questions (IQs) that strong leaders ask before making a decision.
IQ#1- How long do you have to make the decision?
This question is crucially important for any leader to consider. You only get so much time to make decisions. There is a big difference between having a few minutes, several hours, a day, a week, a month, or even longer. Make sure you understand how long you have so that you spend the time wisely. If the deadline is tight move quickly. If you have plenty of time don’t squander it and have to make a last-minute decision because you procrastinated.
Strong leaders make timely and informed decisions
Strong leaders make the most of the time they have when making decisions. They move quickly when necessary. They take more time when they have it, or if they have to make a decision with serious consequences. I cannot count on my hands how many times I watched a leader wait forever before considering their options and selecting one. For any leader, if you and your team are always making last-minute decisions then you have a process problem that needs attention, or you fail to ask this insightful question when given the opportunity.
IQ#2 – How big is this decision?
The size of the decisions you make matters. The bigger the impact the more time you should use to make the decision. Jeff Bezos believes leaders should not use a one size fits all approach. Many small decisions you can make quickly while others may take more analysis. In some situations, you will not have much time available before moving forward. Do the best you can to get input from others for big decisions. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Decide and move ahead.
Strong leaders get more data, perspectives, and feedback for big decisions
Leaders need to get feedback from their stakeholders before they make a big decision. The general rule of thumb – the bigger the decision the more data, perspectives, and feedback you should gather before making it. It is critical that you get inputs from others in order to move your team forward after the decision is made.
IQ#3 – Should team members and other stakeholders be involved in the decision?
The short answer is yes, as much as possible. My recommendation is that you walk them through the decision-making process, and answer any questions along the way. It will get real for your team the closer you get to making the decision. Some days, you will not have enough time to include your team members or other stakeholders. In this case, inform them about the decision as soon as possible after it is made and answer questions then.
Strong leaders don’t make all decisions alone
Never make all your decisions alone, even if you make great decisions most of the time. This misstep sends a clear message to others that you do not value their perspectives, expertise, or insights. If you choose this path, you will be limited to your own thinking and experience. At a minimum be sure to bounce your thoughts off others to make sure you are not making a big mistake.
IQ#4 – Should I ask for guidance from my boss before making the decision?
The right answer is hell yes if it is a big decision. It will keep you aligned with your boss and give you top cover. Besides your boss may provide helpful guidance that you will not get unless you ask for it. For smaller decisions, you may not need guidance from your boss. In fact, I believe that strong leaders make as many decisions as possible at their level to avoid bothering their boss with trivial details. Lastly, it is not uncommon for a leader to mistake who owns the decision. When you talk with your boss about the decision, get clarity so that you do not waste your energy on decisions that are not yours to make, or have already been made for you.
Take the time to ponder insightful questions
Strong leaders understand the importance of making good decisions. They ask insightful questions. They confirm how much time they have to make decisions. Strong leaders assess the size of the decision based on its impact. They include others when making big decisions, and get guidance from their boss to make sure they are aligned. Be that kind of leader.
Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.
Peter Drucker
ATW! is designed to make you a better leader
I hope you join me on this journey to raise the next generation of leaders. The world is in desperate need of more great leaders. Women and men who lead with confidence, clarity, and creativity. It’s time to become the leader that your world needs. Let’s go All The Way!