A Guide to Making Better Decisions and Building a Stronger Team
Leadership is about guiding and inspiring others, and great leaders are characterized by their thoughtfulness and deliberate approach to decision making. In contrast, impulsive and reactive leaders often struggle to achieve their goals and build trust with their teams. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between thoughtful and deliberate leaders and impulsive and reactive leaders, and provide examples of how great leaders can be mindful and intentional in their decision making.
- They Plan and Prepare: Thoughtful and deliberate leaders always plan and prepare before making decisions. They carefully consider the possible consequences of their actions and ensure that they have all the information they need before proceeding.
For example, a thoughtful leader in the tech industry may conduct extensive market research before launching a new product. They may also consult with experts, gather feedback from customers, and test their ideas in a controlled environment before making a final decision. To implement this, leaders can create a structured process for decision making, which includes research, consultation, and testing, and make sure they stick to this process every time they face a decision.
- They Consider Different Perspectives: Thoughtful leaders are open to hearing different perspectives and considering alternative viewpoints. They don’t make decisions based on their own opinions, but rather take into account the opinions and experiences of others.
For example, a leader in the healthcare industry might seek out the opinions of medical experts, patients, and other stakeholders when making decisions about new treatments or protocols. To implement this, leaders can actively seek out diverse perspectives and encourage open dialogue within their teams. They can also create opportunities for collaboration and seek out feedback from different stakeholders.
- They Take a Long-Term View: Thoughtful leaders don’t make decisions based on short-term gains, but rather take a long-term view of their goals and priorities. They understand that decisions made today can have lasting effects and strive to make choices that will benefit their organization in the long run.
For example, a leader in the renewable energy industry might prioritize investment in sustainable technologies, even if it means short-term costs, because they believe it will benefit their company and the environment in the long run. To implement this, leaders can adopt a long-term view of their goals and make decisions based on what will be best for their organization in the future. They can also establish metrics and KPIs that measure long-term success, so they can track progress and make course corrections as needed.
Thoughtful and deliberate leaders stand out from impulsive and reactive leaders by their planning, preparation, openness to different perspectives, and long-term view. By following these principles, leaders can make more informed decisions, build trust with their teams, and achieve their goals.