How to be Decisive

Want to be more decisive? Here are key DOs and DONTs:

DO understand if the decision is easily reversible or not. If it can be easily reversed, don't treat it like it is irreversible.

DO explore multiple options for key decisions, including a "do nothing" option. Gather the necessary data (but don't over-analyze).

DO explain why the decision was made. Nothing creates more misalignment among people when they don't understand the reason behind a decision. Without hearing it from you, people will make up their own stories.

DO change your decision if new information determines that is the right thing to do. Explain why the decision has changed. People may still complain, but...

DON'T try to make everyone happy. This is impossible, especially with a larger group of people affected by the decision.

DON'T wait for perfect information, and DON'T over-analyze a decision. It is usually better to make an imperfect decision than to not make any decision at all.

DON'T aim to be correct 100% of the time. The best hitters in baseball fail to hit the ball two-thirds of the time. You won't be 100% correct in your decision making, so don't let that hold you back from making a decision.