It has been said that a good leader must be able to make important decisions quickly. As you lead your church, or workplace, how many times have people come up to you for an answer to an important decision making scenario? It has happened to me countless of times, and my first instinct is to make a decision right there on the spot. I think many of us are tempted to think that the speed of our decision is more important than making the right decision. How many times have we regretted a decision made in haste?
I’ve been reading Steven Sample’s book: The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership. It has been a fascinating read that has helped me to think counter intuitively about leadership, especially in the area of decision making. One of the things that he teaches in the book, is to take your time when making an important decision. He says: “A truly effective leader, however, needs to be able to see the shades of gray inherent in a situation in order to make wise decisions as to how to proceed.” The essence of thinking gray is “don’t form an opinion about an important matter until you’ve heard all the relevant facts and arguments, or until circumstances force you to form an opinion without recourse to all the facts.” The reason for this is that when a leader forms an opinion too soon, then what happens is that he or she will become close minded to facts and arguments that may subsequently come to his or her attention later. Sample goes as far as to say that it is best to wait as long as possible until you can’t wait no more to make a decision. The right decisions usually come to those who are able to wait patiently. Therefore, don’t be tempted to make a quick decision.
Sample also comments that it is important we allow others in our organization to make important decisions, and when it is the wrong decision, we take full responsibility for it. I was able to do this with someone on my staff today. A pastor came into my office and asked for my advice if they should purchase something for their ministry. Financially, we have felt the pinch as a church because of the economy. So naturally before making a sizeable purchase for the church, this person wanted my approval. I told him, “I trust you to make the right decision so it’s your call.” He was shocked to hear this because in the past, I would tell him what to do. When your staff knows that you trust their decision making process, it gives them a moral boost.
Think gray when making an important decision. The worst thing you can do is make a decision prematurely, and then have to change that decision later because it was the wrong one. You begin to lose credibility as a leader. So the next time you are faced with an important decision, think gray and it will probably save you a couple of sleepless nights.
good stuff PP – good nuggets – blog that action, PP..