Making Decisions Based on Fact, not Other’s Perceptions
Decisions are happening continually in everyone’s life. As a leader, the number of decisions only increases and typically has a more significant impact on people beyond yourself. It becomes critical to ensure that you have the best information and clarity around the facts of a situation before making a final decision.In a previous article Perception is not Reality - Vision and Communication Make the Difference I discussed how leaders need their own view on the situation when they communicate with their team and others. The best decisions will come from spending the time to ensure that you have the data and input necessary to move in any direction. This does not need to be lengthy or paralyzing, how you approach key decisions should be situational and based on the gravity of the potential outcomes you are influencing.Here are a few steps you can take to help make better decisions for you and your business.
Do your own research
Invest time to understand the situation firsthand. Research the problem, gather data from multiple points so you can ensure you have what is necessary to decide. Your research may lead to new ideas, create additional options, or expand the depth in which you need to review further. Relatively simple decisions, may not require as much research as larger more impactful ones. Some examples here may be - the decision between hiring a part-time associate for your location versus hiring your Assistant Manager. You will likely spend more time researching, interviewing, and completing background checks on the Assistant Manager. On a larger scale, deciding to open your store or stores early for one day to accommodate a holiday or local event is an easier choice than determining whether to change the hours of your locations permanently. The impact from a long-term change like that requires considerably more data than a single event.
Remain objective to the outcome
Perhaps the most difficult thing to do during a decision process is to remain neutral to the findings and outcomes. We all face moments where what we would like to do differs greatly from what we know is right to do. Making emotionally based decisions usually lead to more challenges and disappointing outcomes because we failed to analyze the information and potential outcomes from an objective, business point of view. Ask yourself how others will feel about the outcome? Make sure you are honest with yourself when you ask - “is this what I want to do or is this the correct long-term path to follow?” Separating yourself from these types of decisions can be challenging, but will lead to better solutions that will provide more consistently positive outcomes.
Stay true to your values
This is the most important step in any decision. No one should ever make a decision that goes against their own values. If you find yourself battling a decision that goes against what you stand for, I would recommend opening new channels of dialogue to explore different options. Be clear with people around you about why you will not make that choice. No one feels good about a decision that does not match who they are. Staying committed to your values will always lead to the right choices and ensure you do not have personal regrets for the wrong reasons.
Seek advice
Seeking the advice of others is a research tool, not a way to shift your responsibility to others. Asking for help or fresh perspectives is not a sign of weakness. Rather it shows your skills as a leader. No one can now all the answers, or have all the experience necessary to make all the decisions. When you face significant decisions, they should not be made without all the best information available, and often that will be the collective ideas and experiences of others. Take advantage of the network of people you have around you to ask for their input.
Be confident in your decision
Once you make your decisions, stick to it. You have researched the information, decided objectively, remained consistent with your values, and sought input from others as needed. You have made a good decision. Be ready to defend your position objectively, and share the research you gathered to determine your choice. Not everyone has to agree with your recommendations or choices, but to influence others you must remain confident in the outcomes you are directing. This builds trust with those around you and makes future decisions easier to make and build support for.Not all decisions are created equal, but as leaders, we can face many choices that will have a lasting impact on our team and business. That is a tremendous responsibility we take on in our roles. Respect the process and the influences that come with that. When you make your decisions based on facts and experience the right ones will surface more and more often.What other steps do you take when seeking to make a sound business decision? Share your ideas in the comments section.Join other retail leaders in continuing their development journey with Effective Retail Leader.com. SUBSCRIBE today to receive FREE leadership tips directly to your inbox and monthly newsletters that provide many tools to help further develop your leadership skills all at no cost. JOIN NOW!No spam ever - just leadership goodness.