Captain Goofball asked for my advice before making a big decision. Did he need to fire someone on his leadership team? I asked what his gut was telling him. Captain Goofball said every part of him was saying to fire the guy. His subpar subordinate was a low performer with a bad attitude. Do it was my recommendation. He thanked me for my input. I was a Company Commander in the Army, wondering if I was experiencing a lessons-learned moment for making good decisions. My hunch was correct.
Things went from bad to worse
Captain Goofball did not fire the person. Problems got worse. His unit’s performance declined quickly. It was a direct result of Captain Goofball’s reluctance to replace a low-performing leader. Everyone knew how to solve the problem – fire the guy. Captain Goofball eventually was moved into a new position because he had made a bad decision. He chose to do nothing about the problem and paid the price.
Learn from others’ mistakes to avoid repeating them – pay attention to your gut response
Captain Goofball knew instinctively that he needed to fire his lackluster leader. Rather than trust his gut he chose to ignore it. The first lesson learned for making good decisions is to pay attention to your gut response. I am not saying that you should make all decisions based on how your gut reacts. Rather I am recommending that you not ignore it, especially when you are making a decision and your gut is screaming – NO! According to this article – your gut is smarter than you think.
Lesson Learned #2 – use data to avoid emotional decisions
While trusting your gut is important, you also need to make data-based decisions whenever possible. Lesson learned number two is to use data to avoid emotional decisions. I remain amazed at the number of emotional decisions that I witness leaders make on a regular basis. If there is data available to inform your decision – use it. If your emotions are getting the better of you, calm yourself before making the decision. You will thank me later. We all get worked up at times, and it is perfectly okay to show your emotions as a leader. Don’t let them rule your decisions.
Lesson Learned #3- watch out for decision fatigue as your day progresses
Decision fatigue is a real challenge for all leaders. We all know this – making a lot of decisions is exhausting. Lesson learned number three is to watch out for decision fatigue as the day progresses. This article describes the scientific research related to decision fatigue and recommends four ways to counter it. They are listed below.
- Limit unnecessary or unimportant decision-making.
- Make important decisions first thing in the morning
- Indulge in sugary snacks
- Be self-aware
I agree with these recommendations, especially the first two. If you are “hangry” – eat something, although a healthy snack is a better choice than a snickers bar.
Lesson Learned #4 – Groupthink is more common if you speak first
You need to let others share their thoughts before you do when making a decision. Lessons learned number four is that groupthink is more common if you speak first as the leader. It is human nature that most subordinates want to make their boss happy. One way to do that is to agree with your boss, especially in a group setting. It takes bravery and courage for anyone to tell their boss he is wrong. If you speak first, don’t be surprised if the group falls in line and agrees with everything you say. As a leader, you want insights from others, so let them share their perspective before you say anything. This lesson learned is particularly challenging for high-energy and action-oriented leaders. If that is you – calm down and keep your mouth shut, or else you run the risk of shutting down great ideas from your team.
Bottom line – leverage these four lessons learned for making good decisions
- Pay attention to your gut response
- Use data to avoid emotional decisions.
- Watch out for decision fatigue as your day progresses.
- Groupthink is more common if you speak first.
Not every decision needs to be made now. In fact, some never need to be made again.
Erin Wildermuth
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!