It has often been said we make choices and then our choices make us. Whoever said it originally was absolutely correct. Therefore, it is critical for leaders to have a decision-grid in which they make decisions.
The following are 6 Steps To Making Great Leadership Decisions utilizing the word “CHOICES” as our guide:
C – Christ-centered. Smart leaders have a biblical worldview when it comes to making decisions. When it comes to marriage, business, church, personnel, parenting, government, money management, social issues and all other important decisions, the Bible provides a timeless framework for which those decisions are made. I have never come across a leadership decision which wasn’t addressed in the Bible. You just have to find the answer and know how to apply it. If you do not know where to begin, start by reading one of the 31 Proverbs each day.
H – Hard Decisions. There are perks to leadership and there are prices to leadership. Hard decisions are a price all leaders must pay periodically. There are times leaders must make the unpopular decisions that are best for the organization. No organization advances and breaks new ground without hard decisions.
O – Options. Leaders reject the concept you must choose between Option A and Option B. Smart leaders are always gathering as much data as possible and giving themselves a multitude of options.
I – Information. Many leaders make the mistake of immediately rushing to judgment. Smart leaders ask a lot of questions. Smart leaders listen to others. Smart leaders gather as much information as possible. Then they make wise and timely decisions.
C – Consistency. Once leaders have established their framework for decision-making, they often make the same type of decision over and over and over again. In other words, when issues arise, those you serve almost always know how you feel and what the decision will be. This speaks to a leader’s integrity as well as the systems and culture they have created. In other words, when my daughter brings me as issue about education, money, family, dating, church, social issues, conflict and how to treat people, she often already knows the answer because it has been the same for 20 years. This brings your team a sense of security.
E – Education. I could have also chosen Exercise and Emotions for this letter. However, I chose Education because leaders are readers. There are leadership issues you are currently facing which others have already solved. These answers are available to you for pennies on the dollar through the purchase of their books on Amazon. For a great list of books, click 10 Books Every Leader Should Read During Spring 2019 for my latest reading list. A leader who is not a reader will not make consistently quality decisions.
S – Stewardship. The best decisions are not made based upon on the resources you have. The best decisions are made based upon what you will do with the resources you have been given to make the greatest positive impact as many people as possible. Your choices are all about people and improving their lives. What comes to you as a leader must flow through you.
My book Timeless: 10 Enduring Practices Of Apex Leaders is available for purchase. If you have ever wanted to become the leader God created you to be, this book is for you! By combining leadership lessons from biblical heroes like Jesus, Daniel and Joseph, along with modern day leaders like Bill Gates, Nick Saban, Kobe Bryant and multiple pastors, Timeless will equip and inspire you. This book is not to be read alone. Discussion questions are included in each chapter allowing you to develop those in your circle of influence. Click HERE or on the image provided and order your copies TODAY.