You’re a servant leader with a big decision to make. How do you ensure your strategic thinking is aligned?

1 Define the problem

The first step to making a big decision is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. What is the current situation, the desired outcome, and the gap between them? What are the root causes, the symptoms, and the impacts of the problem? How does the problem align with your mission, vision, and values as a servant leader? By defining the problem, you can narrow down the scope, the criteria, and the stakeholders of your decision.

2 Gather information

The next step is to gather relevant and reliable information that will help you analyze the problem and generate possible solutions. You can use various sources of information, such as data, research, feedback, best practices, and benchmarks. As a servant leader, you should also seek input from your team, your peers, your customers, and other experts who can offer different perspectives and insights. By gathering information, you can increase your knowledge, reduce uncertainty, and avoid biases.

3 Evaluate alternatives

The third step is to evaluate the different alternatives that could solve the problem. You can use various tools and techniques, such as SWOT analysis, cost-benefit analysis, decision matrix, or scenario planning. As a servant leader, you should also consider the ethical, social, and environmental implications of each alternative. How would each alternative affect the well-being, the growth, and the empowerment of your team and your organization? By evaluating alternatives, you can weigh the pros and cons, the risks and opportunities, and the trade-offs of each option.

4 Choose the best solution

The fourth step is to choose the best solution that meets your criteria and aligns with your values and vision as a servant leader. You can use various methods to make your choice, such as voting, consensus, or delegation. As a servant leader, you should also communicate your decision clearly and transparently to your team and your organization. Explain the rationale, the benefits, and the challenges of your decision. By choosing the best solution, you can demonstrate your commitment, your accountability, and your confidence as a leader.

5 Implement the action plan

The fifth step is to implement the action plan that will execute your decision. You can use various frameworks and models, such as SMART goals, action steps, milestones, and indicators. As a servant leader, you should also involve your team and your organization in the implementation process. Assign roles and responsibilities, provide resources and support, monitor progress and performance, and celebrate achievements. By implementing the action plan, you can foster collaboration, engagement, and innovation among your team and your organization.

6 Review the results

The sixth and final step is to review the results of your decision and action plan. You can use various measures and metrics, such as feedback, surveys, reports, and outcomes. As a servant leader, you should also solicit and provide feedback to your team and your organization. Recognize the strengths and weaknesses, the successes and failures, and the learnings and improvements of your decision and action plan. By reviewing the results, you can enhance your strategic thinking, your servant leadership, and your continuous improvement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?