Tag: Decisive

Decisive

We make thousands of decisions every day. Generally, the majority of decisions have little or no consequential value. However, some decisions carry long-lasting, if not eternal, consequences.

Theodore Roosevelt said, “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”

When the moment of decision arises, leaders must do the right thing, primarily what is right for the other person.

Regardless of the reason, to do nothing in leadership paralyzes everyone. Closely associated with this problem is the unnecessary delay in the decision.

Decisive Leadership

There are two key elements to being decisive we need to develop.

The first is the idea of sound decisions. The soundness of a decision is going to be subjective based on the moral compass of the individual. From a spiritual leadership perspective, the soundness of one’s decisions will be based on a Biblical compass.

The second involves the word timely. We have all heard, and perhaps experienced, the idea of “timing is everything.” With much prayer, spiritual leaders will seek to make decisions in keeping with God’s timing.

When we make decisions that are both sound and timely, our leadership develops greater credibility.

Improving Your Leadership

Leaders understand the necessity of growing, improving who they are and all they do. They understand that leading others assumes a responsibility that demands growth.

While certain choices are made one time for all time, other choices require a daily commitment to achieve. For leaders to become better in who they are and what they do, deciding daily to improve goes far in achieving results.

Be decisive. It is about a decision to move beyond the present circumstances.

To remain neutral only supports stagnation and ultimately failure. Leaders know the dangers and seek to avoid such an outcome. Challenge yourself to get better.

Decisiveness…

Decisions are a daily part of life. Sometimes decisions are quick and easy to make. At other times, they are difficult and require a great deal more thought.

Many decisions have little consequence, while others carry great consequence.

There is one decision that is extremely consequential, the decision to follow Christ. This one decision should be the foundation for all other decisions.

When thinking through a decision, take a moment to determine how that decision will influence others and if it fits within our responsibility as a leader for Christ.

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.

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.

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.

Decisive Leaders…

One of the qualities of good leaders is decisiveness. Think about the doctors and nurses that work in Critical Care Units. Beyond their educational expertise, they must be decisive, especially in emergency situations.

Obviously, not every situation is an emergency for leaders. However, to hesitate can cost leadership severely.

While there are thousands of decisions with little or no consequential value, some decisions have eternal consequences.

Therefore, the decisiveness of spiritual leaders can change the eternal destination of others who follow.

Be decisive and lead with eternity in view.