Welcome back to CEO POV! Today’s topic is crucial for any leader: making decisions. In the dynamic landscape of leadership, the ability to make informed and effective decisions is paramount. It’s a skill that involves balancing self-assurance with collaboration, ensuring that the choices we make drive our organizations forward and empower our teams.
The Decision-Making Dilemma
Making decisions as a leader can often feel like navigating a complex maze. While self-assurance is a vital strength of mine – a belief in one’s own judgment and abilities – I believe it’s equally important to involve and engage your team in the decision-making process. This balance ensures that decisions are not only sound but also have the buy-in and insights of those who will be affected by them.
Decisions at the Chamber
At the Kearney Area Chamber, decision-making is a daily part of our responsibilities. One notable instance involved a significant strategic shift. We were exploring new ways to enhance our community engagement and needed to decide whether to launch a new series of events or focus on strengthening existing programs.
While I had my own ideas and a clear vision, I knew it was essential to gather input from my team. We held brainstorming sessions, conducted surveys, and sought feedback from Chamber members. This collaborative approach not only enriched the decision-making process but also empowered my team by valuing their insights and fostering a sense of ownership.
For example, when deciding to implement a new digital marketing strategy, I drew on the creative ideas from our team. Their expertise and perspectives were invaluable, leading us to develop a more robust and effective plan. This experience reinforced the importance of balancing self-assurance with team inclusion in decision-making.
Connecting my 5 C's of Leadership
Reflecting on my earlier blogs, the principles of creativity, commitment, collaboration, change, and communication all play a role in effective decision-making:
- Creativity: Effective decision-making often involves creative problem-solving and thinking outside the box.
- Commitment: Decisions must be aligned with our overarching goals and values, demonstrating commitment to our vision.
- Collaboration: Including your team in the decision-making process fosters collaboration and ensures diverse perspectives are considered.
- Change: Embracing change and being adaptable are crucial when making decisions that impact the direction of your organization.
- Communication: Clear and transparent communication about decisions helps in gaining support and ensuring everyone is aligned.
Action Items for Effective Decision-Making
Here are a few practical steps to enhance your decision-making process:
1. Gather Information: Conduct thorough research and gather relevant data before making decisions. This includes seeking input from team members who have insights and expertise in the area.
2. Include Your Team: Engage your team in the decision-making process by soliciting their ideas, feedback, and perspectives. This not only improves the quality of decisions but also empowers and motivates your team.
3. Evaluate Options: Consider multiple options and weigh their potential outcomes. Evaluate the pros and cons to make informed choices that align with your goals.
4. Communicate Clearly: Maybe the most important. Once a decision is made, communicate it clearly and transparently to your team. Explain the rationale behind the decision and how it aligns with the organization’s objectives.
The Art of Balanced Decision-Making
At the end of the day, leaders lead and effective decision-making is an art that requires a balance of self-assurance and team inclusion. By leveraging both your confidence and the collective wisdom of your team, you can make informed choices that drive success and foster a collaborative environment.
Beware though, imploring team Input could backfire. I once consulted my team on a decision, and one member suggested we should have 'Free Pizza Fridays.' I thought it was a great idea – turns out, they were just hungry!
As always, let’s continue to make decisions that not only benefit our organizations but also empower those who make them possible.
Best,
Derek
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