You Make The Call

Sticking It Out --- Cutting Your Losses --- Starting Something New --- Taking A Risk Making A Change --- Challenging The Status Quo

Your most important decisions are many times the toughest

My wife, Suzanne, said that she couldn't remember a time when her Dad wasn't an umpire. My father-in-law's name was Cas and he really was a man of few words…. One of the few was: “Unbelievable.” 

Over the years, Cas and I watched countless ball games together and that is when he would generously use his catch-phrase. “Unbelievable!” Is how he would often describe the officiating of whatever game we were watching.  However; whenever there was a close call; you know the ones that could really go either way, Cas would always get quiet. To break the silence, I would typically ask him, if they "Got it right." He always responded the same way. First he would tilt his head slightly, wince a little and say some variation of, "From where he was and in the time that he had, yeah." Decades behind home plate taught Cas that getting the tough call right was hard. He knew that no matter the decision, it would be questioned and that making everyone happy was an impossibility. His reaction and expression revealed that he was reminded of this each time his son-in-law asked him to 'Make the Call'.

If you're a leader, you must accept that tough calls are part of the job. They are not an option; they are your responsibility.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out why people are often tentative to make the tough calls. The inability to make the perfect decision leads to the procrastination of important decisions, or worse for them not to be made at all. Consider these steps during your decision-making process and you'll be able to make better decisions faster and with less fear of being wrong.

Understand the Role Emotions Play 

You already know that your decision should never be a spur of the moment emotional reaction. That doesn't mean that emotions are not part of the equation. You need to consider the emotions of those affected by your decision. You also need to come to the realization that if time and some agony are not part of the process, this is not a tough call.

'Your Gut' isn't all that you have

Take the necessary time to review any data that you have available to you. Dig into the details, consider trends and try to model out probable scenarios. This due diligence will help you validate any abstract information provided is correct and discover any potential concerns, that left identified could evolve into future dilemmas. Remember to use data and not to let the data use you. Be careful not to let over analyzing delay your decision for too long. 

If it's a Big Decision - Look at the Big Picture

Expand your thinking beyond your daily existence. Evaluate the perspectives of all the people or groups that might be affected directly or indirectly by the choice that you are about to make. Let your experience and intuition be your guide as you consider if the future benefits will outweigh the immediate risks. Thinking about the future and the legacy of this decision will give you a much different perspective, than just deliberating on the current state of affairs.

Phone a Friend

It's important to try find as many downsides as possible, but, doing so can be hard when you are so close to the technicalities. A few noticeable details can easily become the only unfavorable particulars; but, may not be a true representative of the entire situation. A trusted, objective outsider that knows your business can be a huge help here. They can take a step back and can help you see the overall view and things that you may have missed when you did your initial homework. While input from someone you trust is critical; but, seeking advice from not too many, can cloud your judgment.

Be Courageous

There is such a natural fear of making a bad decision, that people will procrastinate, which in many instances leads to making no decision at all. It takes bravery to make an unpopular decision, even when it is the right thing to do. -- If you know that a call to action is necessary and you don't make the tough call or wait to too long, the tough call will eventually be made for you. When that does happen you lose the ability to control your own fate. If there is one promise, I can make, it is that there are no reward for cowardice. 

If you make a decision that brings unanimous approval, it was not a tough call. Make tough calls that are consistent with who you are, what you believe, and what you teach. If you wait for everything to be perfect before you make the big decision, an opportunity could pass you by, or you may procrastinate yourself into a worse situation. I hope these steps will help you the next time you’re staring down your next big decision.

Cas passed away this summer. I've been thinking about him quite a bit. I use to wonder why he would say, "Unbelievable" so much. Then it hit me and it made me smile. 

(At least this is my interpretation) 

It is an umpire's responsibility to make the right call every time without hesitation. Now, Cas was a great guy; but, I would suspect there were a few coaches, players and fans along the way that may not have shared this sentiment. I think he just got tired of having to defend his decisions. 

 "Unbelievable"

 Nobody could ever argue with that. Either Way, Cas always got that one "Right".

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you liked this post, please like it, share it or leave a comment below.

 To read my post on workplace resilience, please ★ CLICK HERE ★