Decisions. Pure and simple. One of the hardest things in life to execute is to make a perfect decision. It’s almost impossible. Stop trying. Make good decisions. Make right decisions. Do this and people will follow you.
Teddy Roosevelt said, “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
1. Don’t be Waffler or Wind-Checker
Too many of our leaders waffle on the really important decisions. Too many leaders are checking to determine which way the wind is blowing, then make their decisions. Their decisions are often bad decisions. Great leaders make their decisions despite the wind blowing. Winds will always blow, but people will not always follow.
2. Get the Direction Right
Great leaders distinguish themselves from all comers and all others because they have the singular ability, among other qualities, to make good decisions. I’m not even saying they have to make a great decision every time. Great leaders make decisions in the right direction. Getting the direction right allows for better implementation and, as needed, adjustments.
3. Communicate Clearly to those Following
Followers want stability and clear direction. Leaders must provide these. Followers will only tolerate an arbitrary leader for so long. A leader who makes arbitrary decisions is viewed as selfish, fickle, insecure, and untrustworthy. A leader who makes good and right decisions is seen as selfless, stable, secure, but most importantly, trustworthy.
Great leaders understand how their followers will respond and react to decisions. King Solomon said, “Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.”* The leader must be in and among his followers, not cloistered from them.
Decisions bathed in counsel that accurately paint the full picture, inspire followers and create a harmony in the organization. Leaders who isolate themselves from their flocks will make poor decisions and the flock will wander or disperse. The careless leader will look up to see a diminishing flock.
4. Make Your Decisions Good
Jimmy Collins, former CEO of the multi-billion dollar chicken giant Chick-fil-A, says “make your decisions good.” Good decisions point in the right direction, consider well who will be affected, and yield good results.
How well are you leading?
*Proverbs 27:23, ESV