The Order of Decision Making

Take the names out...then get messy. Have you ever had to make a decision in life or business that had feelings attached to it because of the people involved? Of course you have! We all face those moments.

• Decision-making is a normal part of life and leadership.

When we make those decisions we are told to weigh all the factors carefully. This is sound advice, but I would suggest there is an order in which we should weigh the factors we face.

The next time you know you have to make a decision that will affect someone, and it seems too hard to make, take out the names.

• Start every decision without names in them.

Simply use the position title, the situation, and the best for the company or team you are leading. For example, let’s say a good friend of yours is on your team and isn’t in the right spot. He has been coasting and you want to confront him about it because his performance is hurting the others on your team and the company, but you don’t want to because he’s your friend.

Take his name out. If you had a different person doing his job the way he is doing it, would you confront them or let it slide? Would you sacrifice team morale and performance? Would you allow the company to start hurting because you want to protect feelings? Likely, your answer was no. So, there’s your answer. You must confront your friend.

Now, you have the answer, but you have to consider all the factors. That means putting the names back in.

• Put his name back in. This doesn’t change the right answer, but it will influence how you approach the situation.

You should approach all confrontation with kindness, but your special relationship in this instance can be an advantage. You can appeal to your friend in a specific way that lets them know you care about their performance for their sake as much as the team’s.

You must obviously be clear on the conversation, you can’t be so vague that the person leaves feeling like they are doing wonderful and nothing needs to change. You must approach them with kindness, but clearness. In the end, it’s the most fair to you, your team, your company, and your friend.

When you take the names out you and find the right answer, there may be times that when you put them back in, you cannot act right away. The relationship may override the decision for a time, but know it cannot do this forever.

• There is a time and a place to act, so make sure you don’t go too early or wait too long. Either could be a detriment.

This is a technique that will allow you to see clearly and hopefully come to answers in a more confident way. Don’t forget to put the names back in and consider the outcomes. All the outcomes.

• Lead with grace, kindness, and compassion and you will find a freedom in your decision making that will propel your leadership to the next level.