Oct
14
WTF Do I Do?!
Filed Under Leadership, Management
Rules to Follow When Making Decisions
In the last ten days, I’ve taken on the job roles previously assigned to four people (including me). When you have an almost insurmountable amount of work in front of you, you get very good at making decisions and delegating.
Making decisions – this is crucial for leadership. Most people are scared to make decisions, captured by the fear of risk. What if…? And their mind fills in fears, the weight of the decision looms- even grows- and they then use some personalized delay tactic.
Thing is… Leaders lead. If the journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, then we see that nowhere more exemplified in the ability to make decisions.
I have some underlying rules, related to my own behavior, that I almost religiously follow when faced with decisions (weighing the risks of two partial unknowns)… to the extent that they are habitual.
1. The economic impact on the variance from “perfect” to “good” is usually very small. The cost of a delay can be much more expensive than the added value of perfection. As Guy Kawasaki says, “Don’t Worry, Be Crappy.” Followed of course by “Churn, baby, churn.”
2. Time, truly, has a monetary equivalent (i.e. time is money). This value of Time varies depending on whose time is in question. Note: All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others… delegate down.
3) My intuition is subconsciously running the math, smelling the air, adjusting for the wind… and is usually correct. Give extra credence to my first response.
4. The possible negative emotional impact of a decision grows exponentially as it is delayed. Problems grow as they are delayed… they don’t go away.
5. Life is a series of decisions. Since I am not J.C. (or any reasonable facsimile)… it is ok to make mistakes. I insist on learning from them, and I expect and even welcome them with a somewhat odd optimism. Forgive yourself.
6. Circumstances weigh heavily on what determines the “right” or “wrong” decision. Sticking with stoic rules or processes – or maybe even ethics – can cause wrong decisions. Weigh situations freely.
7.I must beware the reality that my own selfish interests oftentimes cloud my judgment. Therefore, if it benefits me personally, I give the decision a little more scrutiny.
Holy crap Batman… What does all that mean?
Simple. Trust your instincts. Accept “good enough.” Rush to decide. Forgive yourself, and forgive others if you delegate. Respect the value of your time. Learn from mistakes.
Leaders make decisions.
Oh yeah… one more -
8. Respect and tap into the power of optimism. You would be amazed how hard you work to prove yourself “right.”
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When in doubt I usually go back to what was my first instinct.
I also use the Benjamin Franklin decision making process at times. Write out the pros vs the cons.