Experiencing indecision? Use this worksheet.
The best leaders make sound decisions a majority of the time. These leaders:
understand the data versus the emotion of a decision;
seek out helpful input from colleagues in advance;
recognize the trade-offs and possible pitfalls that may result; and
move forward to take action.
As a coach, I often help leaders who struggle to make decisions. I ask leaders to complete this worksheet to get started. The leader prints the worksheet, reviews the questions, and writes his or her answers down. The writing piece is a critical way to get all thoughts and ideas on paper, providing an ability to determine the path forward with clarity.
Some tips for completing the worksheet:
Define three options: no more, no less. For those who think in terms of two options, this will prompt creative thinking by identifying a third option. For those who think in terms of twenty options, this will prompt paring down to your top three.
Pause for at least 30 minutes after completing the worksheet whenever possible. Walk away from it and come back with fresh eyes, reflecting on the words you wrote and the option you selected. Notice how you feel as you read through your responses again.
Take action. The worksheet is not an excuse to postpone the decision indefinitely.
Keep the worksheet for 30 days and revisit it following the decision outcome. Use what you learned to inform decisions in the future.
Coaching provides a safe space where leaders come to talk through decisions, big and small. Increase the positive impact of your decisions by using this worksheet and allowing time to consider options fully.
Dr. Katie Stone is the founder of Together Evolving. Email Katie at katie.stone@togetherevolving.com to learn more about the transformational impact coaching can have on you and your leadership.