Decision-Making Abilities

Over the past couple of years, social media has highlighted how a large number of people (mostly women) struggle to decide where to go for dinner. While this may seem trivial, it underscores a critical skill for leaders: decision-making. Effective decision-making ensures that leaders can guide their teams, manage resources efficiently, and drive the organization towards its goals. So, how are you at decision-making? Let’s find out.

Decision-Making Self-Awareness Check

Begin by developing self-awareness around this skill. Answer “yes” or “no” to these questions:

1. I make decisions confidently and quickly.

2. I consider the input of my team when making decisions.

3. I evaluate the outcomes of my decisions and learn from them.

How did you do? Based on your answers, here are some steps to consider improving your decision-making abilities:

• Gather Information: Ensure you have all the necessary information before making a decision. This may include pulling formal data or something less formal, like having a conversation with different people before the decision is made.

• Weigh Options: Consider the pros and cons of different choices.

• Seek Input: Consult with your team or mentors to gain different perspectives.

Put Your Decision-Making Abilities Into Practice

Now that you have a better understanding of how to begin working on decision-making, let’s apply this to your situation. Take some time this week to identify a decision you’ve been putting off and gather all necessary information. Before making the decision, list the potential options and their pros and cons. Finally, discuss the decision with a colleague or mentor to gain additional insights. To conclude this activity, arrive at a decision.

Using this process can help you to become more confident in your abilities. Through consistent practice and awareness, you can become a more effective decision-maker and leader.

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