As leaders, we are faced with tough decisions every day. Some of these decisions can be easy to make, but others may not be as simple. Regardless of the decision, you have to remember that data and facts lead the way when leaders make tough decisions. If you let your emotions get in the way, it could come back to haunt you down the line, so don’t do it! You need to learn how to detach yourself from personal feelings when deciding because if you don’t, that becomes a choice too.
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Why Use Facts and Data?
Seeing the big picture is crucial to helping you piece together tough decisions. Make sure you know your vision statement and goals and understand what your end looks like to make decisions that guide the way.
Facts and data can help leaders see the bigger picture. When you think of things from a more objective perspective rather than an emotional one, you may see things you didn’t previously. You may not like an approach to something, but you may enjoy the result. Deciding about the outcome and its relation to your goals and vision will help you decide.
What are Tough Decisions?
We are faced with tough decisions in life all the time. Tough choices are often hard to make, especially if they affect others. You can’t be a leader of any kind and not encounter tough decisions. The truth is that leaders make tough decisions, and while they may not like to, they do it despite this.
Doing nothing is also making a choice that could have consequences down the road. A key piece of leadership is knowing that you must take charge of making these kinds of decisions, no matter how difficult they are.
Keys to Making Tough Decisions
The problem with most decision-making advice is that it’s geared towards one type of person or company size. It’s not always easy to make the right choice for whatever decision you are facing. But there are some things you can keep in mind before making any big decisions.
Removing the Emotions
Great leaders make tough decisions by removing emotions. Detach yourself from personal feelings or emotions will help you get through this process without letting things cloud your judgment too much.
You will need to keep yourself in check and ensure you don’t remove all emotion entirely because then you won’t care about anything either! Being unbiased while still being empathetic for those affected by said tough decision is what leaders must do.
Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment, or that becomes yet another bad choice on top of everything else!
Ask for Advice and Keep an Open Mind
If you are in a position where you, as leaders make tough decisions, make sure you ask for advice. Asking for advice will allow leaders to objectively look at the situation they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to view. There is nothing weak about asking for input and advice from others who have been through a similar situation. There is strength in getting assistance.
Leaders often worry about making decisions and what those choices may mean down the line. Most companies have faced the same issues your company is facing. Most family situations have happened to others in the past. Seeking out advice and keeping an open mind on possible solutions will help you figure out what to do for your situation.
Don’t close off what you think the solution can be just because it’s a little outside the box of normal. Sometimes the best and easiest solution to a challenging problem is something unique. Allow yourself to consider these outcomes as well.
Consider Pros/Cons and Vision/Values
Consider the pros and cons of all the outcomes you are reviewing. Then compare them to your overall vision and values. Which results align the best?
The outcomes that best align and provide a reasonable solution are the ones you want to more seriously review. If you find yourself torn between two or more decisions it might be a good idea to go with the one that aligns best overall. It’s not easy being in charge but if this is your area then you must take on responsibility for all outcomes and make those tough decisions.
The outcomes that best align and provide a reasonable solution are the ones you want to review more seriously. A tool that can help you decide if multiple options are available is the Eisenhower Matrix. Reviewing your options based on impact and urgency can provide a roadmap for implementation and decision-making.
If you find yourself torn between two or more decisions, it might be a good idea to go with the one that aligns best overall. It’s not easy being in charge, but if this is your area, you must take responsibility for all outcomes and make those tough decisions.
Leaders Make Tough Decisions Conclusion
As a leader, you’re going to have to make tough decisions. The best way to do that is by relying on data and facts, not emotions or gut reactions. Leaders make tough decisions that can be stressful and challenging.
The keys to a successful outcome are data and facts—with these in hand, it becomes much easier to remove the emotions from the equation, so your choices aren’t clouded by what feels right or wrong. Ask for advice when needed, keep an open mind about all options before deciding, and consider the pros/cons of different paths forward. And finally? Grab this free business priorities guide! It’ll help you get organized, so everyone is on board with where things are headed – including yourself!
