You are the only person who can make certain kinds of decisions. This holds true for every employee in your business. To get the best results for your entire organization, activate employees to lead within their respective spheres. These four simple strategies can help maximize the return for daily decision-making.
1. NEVER MAKE THE SAME DECISION TWICE
Many decisions are repeatable. If you need to choose which vendors or follow a schedule, make it once. Document it, or automate it. Documented policies will help save tremendous amounts of brainpower when it comes to questions like vacation approvals, parental leave or compensation changes. Here’s an example. A few years ago I decided not to do one-on-1 consultations anymore. My executive assistant is able to decline any request that comes in. This strategy benefits me every single day.
2. LET OTHERS CHOOSE FOR YOU
Many leaders fall into the trapof micro-managing. This not just drains your mental power but also negatively impacts your employees. It is easy to get bogged down in non-essential decisions. Instead, ask What can someone else do? Not allowing yourself to be distracted by trivial choices is dangerous and foolish. Hire skilled people and let them run with excellence.
3. PROCESS DEFINED FOR TOUGH DECISIONS
A process should consider all variables. I began using a recommendation-briefing form many years ago. If someone has an idea for our business they will write a one-sheet summary. This sheet contains background information, reasoning, resources, and projected financial impacts. My team has the ability to perform their own analysis and pitch an idea instead of leaving me to do the profitability analysis. At this point my job is to decide yes or non. You don’t need to meet again for further deliberations.
4. TAKE CARE OFF YOURSELF
Your body’s biochemical reaction can influence how you think. In fact, insufficient sleep can lead to poor decision making. It is important to be well-rested in order to make the best possible decisions. This includes adequate rest, regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and appropriate nutrition. So you can lead your company with confidence, take some time to rest.
Combining these four simple strategies together will allow you to make faster, more confident decisions. Which strategy will YOU start implementing today?