The world we live is a chaotic place filled with unique daily challenges that require us to make decisions.
Some of these decisions will affect our lives directly and others will touch a larger group or population. In most cases, we improvise in the moment and react based upon our own unique set of life experiences. Our reactions are typically quick and to the point, but with little additional thought or consideration to the uniqueness of the situation at hand. It’s just how we’re wired. This type of decision making may work in 95% of the cases, but it won’t work across the board. There’s just not a “one size fits all” approach that one can implement in business or in life. It’s just not that simple.
With close to 30 years in retail coupled with my experiences as a successful entrepreneur, I have had the great fortune of working with some amazing people who have helped to mentor and guide me along the way. While each was unique in their leadership style, I gleaned a simple set of principals from them collectively that guide my decision-making process to this day.
When making decisions of any kind, I always take the time to:
- Understand goals & objectives
- Actively listen
- Ask probing questions
- Evaluate all internal & external factors
- Ask additional clarifying questions
- Understand consequences
- Make fact-based decisions
- Learn from your mistakes
So, when it’s time for you to make the tough call, will you be up to the challenge? Will you be able to sift through all the noise and make solid decisions based on fact and not emotion? If you follow these simple principals, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions that give you the best chance of success. This decision-making process works for me, and I’m sure if given the chance it will work for you too.
Stay Frosty!
