Leaders make decisions all day long, some major and some
minor. Some are bold moves, other are run-of-the-mill
choices. The key is that they make them.
The two challenges I find with my clients decisions are
a) they often don't have enough information on which to
base the decision and
b) their timing is off.
Think of the best decisions you've made. You were most
likely feeling confident and well-informed.
In "The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader," author
John Maxwell explains: "Effective leaders understand the
peak-to-peak principle. They make major decisions when
they are experiencing a positive swing in their leadership,
not during the dark times. As NFL fullback Bob Christian
says, 'I never decide whether it's time to retire during
training camp.' He knows not to give up when he is in the
valley."
To that I would add that Bob Christian doesn't know how his
team will perform during the actual season during training
camp. The evidence is not yet available.
How does a leader gain the information needed? All good
leaders surround themselves with a team of advisors. Even
if you're a small business owner you have your attorney,
CPA, financial advisor, etc. If you've not yet secured
this team, now's the time.
Oftentimes, it's necessary to go outside of this team to
attain the data. If timing permits, seek out other experts
in your field - clients, customers, anyone involved.
Listen without interrupting or interjecting your opinion.
This is an information-gathering exercise.
Then, select the best timing. The saying 'Let's sleep on
it' contains wisdom. Studies show that pondering a problem
prior to going to sleep allows your subconscious to work on
it, producing the answer in the morning. This worked for
me with college calculus years before I was aware of this
process.
Please note that I said 'ponder' the problem, not 'stress'
over it. Stressing over our problems only provides jagged,
cloudy thinking. Slowing down to contemplate alternative
approaches allows a smoother, more effective process.
Timing also has to do with your own rhythm. Some of us are
more alert and decisive in the morning, others at 10:00 at
night. Know your best time and, when possible, save your
major decisions for that time of day.
Having said all of this, the most effective leaders that I
personally know tell me that they gather the necessary
information, know when the time is right and base their
decision on their 'gut.' "It just came to me and I knew it
was the right direction to proceed."
Each of you is a leader in your world. Making decisions is
important. Why not make it easier by gaining the
information you need, moving forward when the time is right
for you and of course trusting that gut, inkling or
intuitive hit? Enjoy your discoveries and have an
outstanding week!
----------------------------------------------------
For the sake of keeping your career fresh and on track,
would you like to enjoy a weekly shot-in-the-arm from
Master Certified Coach Ann Golden Eglé? You can sign
up for her free weekly ezine, The Success Thought of the
Week, at http://www.gvsuccesscoaching.com .
No comments:
Post a Comment