I’m concerned.
Businesses and associations are taking too long to make decisions. The problem you face isn’t going away, getting better or resolving itself. Occasionally, I think decision-making paralysis is a result of short-term thinking.
The decision to start a project, hire a vendor, or shutter a program – which just hasn’t taken off can be difficult at the 11th hour. However, if you think about the long-term impact, use of resources, or the opportunities ahead of the decision – making the call gets a bit easier.
Consider this:
- Looking ahead 5 years from now, is this really a big deal? From this perspective, the decision could get easier to make.
- If we move forward, could there be significant long-term benefits to my organization? Then, what’s taking so long to pull the trigger?
- Will making the call now, with the information I have at hand – help address a situation, which has long been problematic and caused tension within the organization?
As a leader, think about making a decision every day with an eye to the future. Work that decision-making muscle, the exercise will enable you to be proactive, feel empowered and demonstrate your ability to move ahead.
