Hi everyone,

There are not many things that really frustrate me, but a lack of decision-making is one that does, because as we know, not making a decision is actually making one – and not to do anything is a decision in itself.

The problem is that if you are a leader and you suffer from not being able to make decisions then you will have an impact on so many people, in such a negative way.

If you were to ask people why they left their job, a high percentage of them would tell you that they left because their manager/organisation could not make the decisions required for them to do their job and to move forward.

I am very aware that often we will need to seek counsel, or work with a team, to get a result and make the required decision, but our team want to take direction from their leader. If you are indecisive, then respect and cooperation will be lost very quickly.

So how do we deal with indecision?

• Learn to trust your Gut – it is usually looking after you
• If something doesn’t work, then learn from it and try something new – it’s that simple
• You will never get everyone to agree, so consider the information you have and make a decision based on that
• Understand that we never grow unless we are taking risks and trying new things
• Don’t let bureaucracy get in the way of growth and progress – it is just an excuse for non-action
• When you find yourself blaming everyone and everything else, then it is time to make a decision - or get out of the way!
• Stop planning and creating an over-abundance of frameworks. You know what should be done – make the decision and start the process!
• Understand that indecision creates a dangerous type of stress in our lives
• Above all, celebrate your decisions and the changes you have made, even if they didn’t work out perfectly. Your job was to make the decision.

One of the greatest personal frustrations that we will experience is the frustration of indecision – So, take control of the life that you have been entrusted to guide and direct and ensure that it continues to grow.

The ability to be comfortable with decision making doesn’t happen overnight, it happens one decision after another, until the processes and skills become the norm.

Remember: your indecision is someone else’s frustration, but your decisions will bring about growth.

My challenge this week is to think about one decision that you have been procrastinating on and make the decision you need to make. It will be like a weight has lifted from your shoulders.

Have a great week.

Des Penny
Co-CEO & Founder
Proteus Leadership