Here's what to consider when making leadership decisions

Joseph Lalonde Oct. 1, 2021

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

iStock

We can make decisions in a vacuum. It is easy to dismiss others around us or their ideas.

We do this in our homes. We do it in our businesses. And this hurts our effectiveness.

Today, I want to look at a few things to consider when making leadership decisions. This will help you become a more aware leader.

My list won't be comprehensive. This list will barely scratch the surface. However, I believe it will give you a starting point when making decisions.

1. Who does the decision impact?

Our decisions and our actions impact more than ourselves. The decisions we make impact those we lead, those we do business with, and more.

Make sure you're considering others when making your decision.

2. Why am I making this decision?

We all think we've thoroughly thought through a question like this. Many times, we haven't done the deep dive.

Michael Bungay Stanier says we need to ask, "And what else?" when coaching others. I think we can modify this to help us make better leadership decisions.

Ask yourself, "And why?" and then, "And why?" Keep digging.

You may find your reason for making the leadership decision is drastically different than you originally thought.

3. What impact will this have going forward?

We can think in the here and now rather than the now and later. When we only consider the immediate impact of our decisions, we miss the long-term impact.

Often, the long-term impact is far more consequential than the immediate.

4. What needs to be done to achieve this?

Having worked in the information technology world for so long, many leadership decisions are made without a full and accurate idea of what it takes to carry out a project. This hurts everyone long-term.

Consider what actually needs to be done for a decision to be successful. It's not as easy as flipping a switch, changing a bit of code or shifting workspaces.

5. How do others feel about this?

While we may have considered who is impacted by our decision, have you taken the time to consider how others will feelabout it? The way our decisions make others feel can be a huge red flag to an incoming issue.

You may discover this decision is the straw that will break the camel's back.

There are plenty of things to consider when making a leadership decision. Consider the ones I've mentioned. Think of the ones that may impact you. Discover new things to consider.

my saved content

VIEW AS
A PDF

Joseph Lalonde is an award-winning leadership blogger and hosted the Answers From Leadership podcast. He desires to see 20-somethings step into their God-ordained roles as leaders. Previously, on the E3 staff and currently serving in the Catalyst youth ministry of Gateway Church, Joseph has mentored many students and has seen their lives changed through this teaching. His mission is to help equip leaders with the knowledge and information to boost their leadership to the next level. This article was first published on JMLalonde.com. Used with permission Learn More »

• A multicultural church avoids intracultural leadership (by Bob Whitesel)
• 5 church communication resolutions (by Mark MacDonald)
• Eight unforced errors churches make (by Thom Rainer)
• Do you speak ‘guest’? Learning to speak community lingo (by Mark MacDonald)

Free eBook

Steps to Launching Your Personal Workplace Ministry

Have you ever felt the pull to full-time ministry work as a missionary or pastor? If not, you can still make a Kingdom impact without quitting your current job. In this eBook, you will learn the four essentials that can change your perspective of work, your workplace, and most importantly, your heart.

Download Now