Difficult Decisions in Leadership
One of the most important things a leader is called to do is make difficult decisions. But what do you do when you're feeling emotional about a situation? How do you ensure that you make the best decision for all parties? Here are some simple steps to overcome emotional obstacles to make objective decisions.
Understand Your Emotions
The first step is to understand your emotions. Oftentimes, our emotions are based on our personal experiences or worldview. It's essential to recognize that something feels true to you. If you find yourself getting wrapped up in your feelings, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you're looking at the situation through a specific lens.
Gather Information
The next step is to gather information. Once you've gotten your emotions in check and can think more objectively, it's time to gather information about the situation. Talk to all parties involved, get input from your team, and look at the situation from all angles. The more information you have, the better prepared you'll be to make a decision. Sometimes going slow to go fast is a good way to go.
Make a Decision
The last step is to weigh all options and make a choice. This is where your intuition comes into play. After taking the time to understand your emotions and gather information, you should have a good sense of what the best decision is. Sometimes, there won't be a perfect solution, but that's okay - just trust your gut and go with the option that feels right. Remember, you're the leader, and it's your job to make tough decisions! You have to be ok with being the topic of conversation at the water cooler sometimes.
Conclusion
Making difficult decisions is part of being a leader. But it's important to overcome emotional obstacles to make objective decisions that are in all parties' best interests. By understanding your emotions, gathering information, and trusting your intuition, you'll be well on your way to making tough choices like a pro!
Written By:
Dr. Tim Tenneriello, COO