How to Make Quicker and Better Decisions
Mukesh Sharma
Strategic Leadership Coach | Executive Advisor | Trusted Guide for Senior Leaders & High-Performers | Transforming Leaders Through Emotional Awareness & Mindfulness.
Decision-making is a crucial skill in both professional and personal spheres. It often determines success, career progression, and even the ability to navigate life’s uncertainties. In today’s fast-paced world, making quicker and better decisions can set you apart as a leader and problem-solver. But how do you hone this skill effectively? Let’s explore a step-by-step approach to mastering decision-making.
1. Define Your Mission and Objective
Every decision should have a clear purpose. Start by understanding the broader mission and your specific role in it.
Ask yourself:
·?????? “What are we truly trying to achieve here?”
·?????? “What outcome will best serve the team or organization?”
Write down your thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and engage in discussions to clarify the objective. Equally important is to assess whether solving the problem is within your scope. If not, it might be wise to escalate the matter to someone better positioned to act.
Example: Imagine you’re leading a project that’s falling behind schedule. Your mission might be to reallocate resources or adjust timelines to meet critical deadlines. Identifying this clearly ensures your decisions align with the bigger picture.
2. Seek Knowledge and Counsel
Don’t hesitate to consult with those who have experience or expertise. Learning from others can significantly improve your decision-making process.
·?????? Reach out to mentors, peers, or industry experts.
·?????? Conduct research and gather data to inform your choices.
Remember, seeking advice doesn’t imply weakness—it shows wisdom and a commitment to success.
Tip: Avoid letting pride or the need to appear self-sufficient prevent you from leveraging valuable resources around you. Collaboration often leads to better outcomes.
3. Embrace Imperfection
Striving for perfection can lead to analysis paralysis. Instead:
·?????? Start with an actionable, even if imperfect, plan.
·?????? Take decisive steps and monitor the results.
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An iterative approach allows you to refine your actions based on feedback, leading to better outcomes over time.
Mindset shift: Progress beats perfection. It’s better to take a well-informed action today than wait indefinitely for the “perfect” solution.
4. Be Willing to Adjust Early
Humility is essential in decision-making. If you notice your initial plan isn’t yielding the desired results, pivot promptly.
·?????? Analyze feedback objectively.
·?????? Own your mistakes and make corrections without hesitation.
It’s far better to adjust course early than to stick to a failing strategy due to ego or fear of admitting error.
Example: A marketing campaign isn’t generating expected leads? Shift your approach by revising messaging or reallocating budget to higher-performing channels.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
Recognize the boundaries of your influence and concentrate your energy where it matters most.
·?????? Identify decisions that are within your control and take ownership of them.
·?????? Let go of aspects that are beyond your influence to reduce unnecessary stress.
Tip: This principle not only sharpens your focus but also promotes emotional resilience by preventing burnout from overextending yourself.
A Balanced Approach
Decision-making doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With clarity of purpose, a willingness to learn, and an adaptable mindset, you can become a faster and more effective decision-maker. These principles apply universally—whether you’re leading a team, managing a household, or navigating personal challenges.
Inspirational Quote: “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.” — Abraham Maslow
Make decisions that move you forward. With practice, you’ll develop the confidence and skill to tackle challenges with poise and precision.
My best wishes.?
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