It’s decision time

January 28, 2022

How do you make decisions that matter?

I’m talking about decisions with real consequences. The kind that keeps you up at night.

It often falls on the leader’s shoulders to make the tough call nobody else wants to make. 

What do you do when faced with a big decision like that?

In my 35+ years of working with independent doctors, I’ve seen many different approaches.

The Procrastinator

Some people respond by avoiding the situation. They’re either paralyzed by fear into inaction, or they don’t want to be inconvenienced by the responsibility. So they ignore it as long as possible.

But in doing so, they overlook that deciding not to make a decision is a decision. And waiting often makes the situation worse.

The Eager Beaver

At the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve watched people make big decisions with indiscriminate speed. Overconfident and ignorant of what they don’t know, these leaders are so eager to move on that they make a premature judgment based on pure intuition.

I can appreciate a leader with confidence. But the wise man also looks before he jumps.

Principles of effective decision making

The best leaders I know are deliberate in their decision-making. They strike a good balance of addressing the decision with urgency, while also slowing down when they need to gather information or seek the advice of others. 

Here are a few simple tactics for effective decision making:

1. Articulate the problem clearly. John Dewey once said, “A problem well put is half solved.” Before you go any further, make sure that you’re asking the right questions. 
2. Write it down. Writing is thinking on paper. To help you clarify the decision and consequences of your actions, it helps to jot it down where you can see the options laid out in front of you. 
3. Talk it out. Have a conversation with someone you trust. My wife plays this role for me.  Her outside perspective helps me identify any personal biases or consequences that I may have overlooked.

Leadership and decision-making go hand in hand. As you grow in your leadership and responsibilities, expect to make more difficult decisions.  

The key is to surround yourself with other leaders who can help. Seek out people in similar situations who can relate to the challenges you’re facing. Join a study club or professional organization. Build a team of trusted advisors that you can lean on for advice.

Now I’d like to hear from you.

What big decision are you facing today? Who are you going to rely on for help?