What do you do if your strategic decision making is hindering relationship building?

1 Understand your style

The first step is to understand your own decision making style and how it affects your relationships. Are you more analytical, intuitive, collaborative, or directive? Each style has its strengths and weaknesses, and can impact how others perceive you and respond to you. For example, if you are too analytical, you might come across as cold, distant, or rigid. If you are too intuitive, you might seem impulsive, unpredictable, or unrealistic. If you are too collaborative, you might appear indecisive, dependent, or compromising. If you are too directive, you might look arrogant, controlling, or insensitive.

3 Communicate effectively

The third step is to communicate effectively with others and explain your reasoning and rationale. Strategic decision making can be complex and nuanced, and you need to make sure that others understand your perspective and your intentions. You also need to listen to their feedback and concerns, and acknowledge their emotions and values. For example, if you are making a change that affects others, you need to communicate the benefits and the challenges, and address any resistance or anxiety.

4 Build trust and rapport

The fourth step is to build trust and rapport with others and show that you care about them and their interests. Strategic decision making can sometimes create conflicts or tensions, and you need to maintain positive and respectful relationships. You also need to demonstrate your credibility and competence, and deliver on your promises and commitments. For example, if you are leading a team, you need to show appreciation and recognition, and provide support and guidance.

5 Learn and improve

The fifth step is to learn and improve from your experience and outcomes. Strategic decision making is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires reflection and evaluation. You need to assess your results and your impact, and identify what worked well and what needs improvement. You also need to seek feedback from others and incorporate their insights and suggestions. For example, if you are implementing a new strategy, you need to monitor the progress and the performance, and adjust as needed.

6 Balance your skills

The sixth step is to balance your strategic decision making skills with your relationship building skills, and recognize that both are essential for your success and satisfaction. You need to leverage your strengths and address your weaknesses, and find ways to integrate your logic and your emotions, your analysis and your intuition, your vision and your empathy. For example, if you are pursuing a career goal, you need to align your actions and your values, and cultivate your network and your mentors.

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?