Empower Your Decision Making in 3 Easy Steps!

Great leaders are great decision makers. Regardless of where you are right now, you can increase your effectiveness with these 3 easy steps.
 
Don’t assume. An assumption is the lowest form of knowledge. Before you even start to create a solution, you have to identify the real problem. Never rely on assumptions for major decisions. When someone comes to you with a problem, don’t assume that they are even clear on what the real problem is. Ask clarifying questions like, “Tell me more about that?” or “Why do you feel it’s important?” or "What solutions have you considered?" Getting genuine input from others will help clarify the real problem.
 
Make space. Great decisions and great ideas come when you empower every available resource within you. You have an incredible amount of experience and knowledge that can be tapped into to create incredible success. Unfortunately, most of us are so bombarded with attention sucking outside pressures from email, text messages, social media, and unexpected problems, etc, etc, that most of our resources are already occupied. The good news is that making space doesn’t require a lot of time. It could mean putting on noise canceling headsets and taking a few breaths to stop the distracting thoughts and give your complete focus on the one decision that must be made right now. 
 
Take off the rose-colored glasses. After you have come up with a solution, play the devil’s advocate with yourself or ask your team members to do so. Try to think of the worst-case scenario. Decisions that have not been implemented tend to look good on paper and in our minds. Try to avoid implementation problems by working through any known or imagined obstacles ahead of time. This process won't eliminate all post implementation obstacles but, if your rose-colored glasses are fully off and you are being realistic with yourself-- and your team-- you can avoid many of them. 
 
In the end, improving your decision making skills will build confidence in your team and create success for your business. 
 
 Live Awesomely,
Angela Decoteau (Deck-uh-toe)
Success Strategist, Awesome Activator
Encourage . Equip . Empower