Tag: Decisions

Decision Makers…

Leaders must be decisive. When they are indecisive, their leadership is called into question.

What causes indecisiveness? Here are three possibilities.

Fear: fear of making the wrong decision, the unknown, and fear of failure are leading causes.

Trust: leaders who lack trust in their own abilities and the abilities of others are often indecisive.

Procrastination:
this mindset leads to indecision because there is a lack of urgency.

What can be done to help leaders overcome this indecisive tendency?

Gather ALL the facts.
List out the pros and cons.
Pray about it.
Trust your instincts.
Establish a precautionary backup plan.
Then, make the decision.

Long-Term Leadership…

What personal goals do we have for next year, or maybe ten years from now?

Have we considered the consequences of our decisions, especially when they involve spiritual growth over the next ten years?

Leaders assist others to think about long-term. The need is great if we plan to move toward a future with strong godly character.

Every decision has some form of consequence, good or bad, now and for the long-term.

A thoughtful process of examining these consequences will help us shape the future for our own lives and for those we lead.

Pleasing Everyone…

An effort to please everyone is doomed to fail. Marco Rubio said, “We live in a society obsessed with public opinion. But leadership has never been about popularity.”

Sadly, the adage about the “squeaky wheel” is true. Those who complain the most and loudest tend to get action.

The church needs leaders who… 1) examine scripture to ensure decisions are biblical, 2) do not follow the flow of modern popularity, 3) never rush a decision, but do not hesitate between two opinions either, 4) make the decision, 5) remember, not every decision will please everyone.

The responsibility of decisive leadership is crucial to the future.

Two Powerful Leadership Questions…

Two words with three letters establish the most powerful questions a leader can ask.

The first is why? This question determines the purpose behind decisions made and actions taken.

Why pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we know the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How will we accomplish this task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

If leaders take the time to determine the answers, the path to success is much clearer.

Testing Leadership Character…

In the words of John Holt, Jr., “The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don’t know what to do.”

Leaders need the qualities of patience, understanding, thoughtful reflection, the exercise of caution, and more.

Decisions can be made rashly and without a proper foundation. The result often brings serious consequences.

Seeking the counsel of others who have walked the same paths opens leaders to greater wisdom, new alternatives, and angles of consideration.

When leaders find themselves not knowing what to do, the best option is to pray!

The Right Time for Leading…

When it comes to addressing a delicate situation, timing is everything.

When faced with life changing decisions, timing is everything.

When waiting for answers to test results, timing is everything.

When confronting a family member, coworker, or friend, timing is everything.

God said, “There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8).

If we can step back and think for a moment and ask ourselves, “Is this the right time to continue in this direction?” then maybe we can handle whatever life throws our way at the right time.

Decisive Leaders…

Life is filled with making decisions. The multiplicity of options makes the process challenging.

Leaders know that decisions change the course of their own lives, but also the lives of those who follow.

Here are a few ideas to help.

Pray for help, strength, and guidance in this decision.
Remember, indecision is a decision.
Investigate all possible consequences to the decision.
Do not always take the “easiest” course of action.
Give complete dedication to the decision.
Always think about the motive behind the decision.

A few steps can provide greater confidence in our decisions.

Right Decision, Right Time…

When leaders face decisions, it is critical to ask, “Is this the right time?”

Leaders have struggled with the results of making the right decision at the wrong time. The key is learning to make the right decision at the right time.

How do we learn this art?

Start with prayer. Consult the One who knows the past, present and future.

Counsel the wisdom of others. Seek advice from those who experienced similar decisions.

Admit wrong decisions. Never deny, ignore, or blame others for wrong decisions.

Timing can make or break a leader. Taking the right path improves our timing.