Decisions in the Gray

My dear friends!

I hope your week is ending on a positive note. Today, I want to explore a topic we all deal with but often overlook. The gray area of decision-making. It’s something that I usually see leaders, both seasoned and junior, struggle with. I recall speaking to a?few executives in some conferences about their most significant concerns for the future, and their number one was not the?economy or disruptions outside of their control but the ability of their teams and leaders to make decisions. Not the right or the perfect decisions, but any decision. We all know that one leader who seems hesitant to make a call often replies with, “What does the policy say?” or “What would you do instead?” This is the core of the matter here. So, let’s dive in.

For those who may have visited Morocco, you will notice the busy markets in every city. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of spices, food, and every corner offers something new and exciting. As a visitor, you have a choice: stick to what you know, which you will come across few, or venture into the unknown and try something new. This is the essence of the gray area.

Understanding the Gray is critical. In Morocco, there's a wise saying: "A wise man changes his mind; a fool never will." This tells us to embrace flexibility and openness. Life isn't always about straightforward right or wrong choices; it’s about navigating the spaces in between.

Why do we fear the gray? It’s natural to lean towards black-and-white choices because they offer certainty and psychological safety. Yet, real growth happens when we step into a bit of uncertainty. The gray area can be uncomfortable, but it’s also where true innovation, creativity, and considerable success are born.

Fearing the unknown is normal. It is something that we must deal with and overcome. This is why many of us naturally hesitate in the gray because of this fear. Afraid of making the wrong choice, of failing, or simply fear of changing. But the question often overlooked here?is, what are we missing out on? If the average person can quickly determine what’s black?and white, what’s unique about our decision? Our achievement because of that?

Think about your work life. You might have a project where you can either follow the usual process or try something new. The safe route is tempting, but the innovative path could lead to breakthroughs: more efficiency and better results.

The comfort of consistency is your best friend but also your worst enemy. It feels safe. It’s predictable and comforting. But sticking to only what we know will limit our potential. Not thinking outside of the norm or not making a decision, is a decision itself.

Another Moroccan proverb states, "Patience is a tree whose root is bitter, but its fruit is sweet." This speaks to the value of taking time to consider our choices. It’s not always easy to wait and think things through, but the results can be rewarding if we do it right.

When facing a decision, it’s okay to?take your time. It’s totally acceptable to pause and say, let me think about it and get back to you. This will give you time to reflect on what each choice offers and look at it from all sides. Sometimes, the best option isn’t immediately obvious. If it were, we would all be millionaires now.

Now, as an HR professional, there is something to be said to my peers. I hear some of your arguments entirely in my head now. That’s dangerous; gray could mean inconsistencies. It could mean trouble. We don’t want that. While I agree with all those arguments, consistency is critical to staying out of trouble, but consistency in the gray decision-making process is essential. It is what truly transforms the culture, the organization, and?the function and achieves the best possible results for the business and the people.

I have witnessed many leaders fail in managing their transition because they want their new, flexible organization to be the same as their black-and-white previous one or their bureaucratic one so they can make the same decisions and feel comfortable. This is?why I have always been an advocate of exploring the gray. It drives the agility needed to transform the ordinary to be exceptional.

By exploring the gray, we invite new possibilities into our lives and the ones of those around us. We become more adaptable, resilient, and open to the unexpected. Skillset critical to lead in the future.

Now, here's a little challenge for you. Next time you're unsure, instead of feeling stuck, feel excited. This is your chance to learn and grow. Next time you face a decision, pause, and consider all your options. Think about what you truly want to achieve. Don’t rush into the familiar just because it feels safe. Embrace the gray.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories about navigating your own gray areas. Please share them in the comments. Many will need to listen to your perspective and experience to find their path forward.

In the end, for me, life inside work and outside is a series of decisions. Some are clear-cut, but many fall into the gray. By learning to navigate this space, we make better choices and enrich our lives with diverse experiences and perspectives. Embrace the gray with curiosity and courage. Trust in your ability to find the path that’s right for you.

You've got this!

Regards,

Mohsine Gdid

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