Decision fatigue

Mike Bonem Sept. 2, 2020

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Some high-profile individuals are known for dressing the same way every day. Think of Steve Jobs always wearing a black turtleneck and jeans. The explanation is that this is one less decision for the busy leader to make each day.

Many church and ministry leaders are suffering from decision fatigue right now. There are more decisions, and many routine decisions have become more complex. A year ago, none of us were having to decide whether to open the doors for worship on Sundays. Even if that decision has been made, the list of other pending decisions feels like the waves of the ocean that just keep coming.

So what can you do if you're experiencing decision fatigue?

• Reducethe number of decisions you have to make. I'm not saying questions should go unanswered, but I am suggesting that someone else can answer them. Now is the time to delegate. If you have been deeply involved in planning worship, this may be the time to let that go to give you bandwidth for other decisions. Don't hold onto decisions just because you've always done it that way.
• Expandthe circle of people who are authorized to make leadership decisions. It's the only way that you will be able to reduce your involvement. No, they won't always make the same decision that you would make, nor will they always get it right. But if you have a competent team, trust and empower them to do their jobs.
• Choosethe right time horizon for your decision focus. Week-by-week is too short for any meaningful planning. Looking a year into the future seems futile for most issues in the current climate. (Although some opportunities require a long-term perspective.) Pick a time frame that makes sense. Focus on programming decisions for the fall, not the entire school year. Consider a 3-month rolling budget rather than a 12-month one.
• Actrather than getting stuck in constant deliberation. "Paralysis by analysis" describes the desire to have all the information before choosing the path forward. But we never have all the information, and that's especially true in our current environment. So get the right people in the room with the best information available, decide the right next step, and act.

I don't expect you to be any less fatigued even if you take all these steps. But I am confident they will help you and your organization step into an uncertain future.

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Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More »

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