If you look up the definition of “decision”, my trusty Webster’s Dictionary in partnership with my Roget’s II Thesaurus brings you results like: 1) The report of a conclusion, 2) The art or process of deciding and words like: Determination, Resolution, Firmness and Definite.  So as we apply this weeks TRIPLE III TIME message topic: Decision-Making…do the dictionary definitions and thesaurus words sound like you? Does your Decision-Making style mirror the word description expectations? Simply put: Are you good at quality Decision-Making?

Quality Decision-Making is a principle element of being a great leader.  People respond, respect, trust, and support someone who is able to effectively/efficiently arrive at a good decision for action.  Well, maybe it’s a good time to look in the mirror and ask yourself: Am I a good decision-maker?  Have I ever taken the time to ask myself this question?  And to better help you find an answer, consider these Decision-Making quiz questions first:

• Do you enjoy being assigned a Decision-Making role?
• Do you whine because “I” never get to be right on an issue? (But do you also understand it may be because you avoid the responsibility of deciding on an issue!)
• Do you have a method/process/system/style for Decision-Making that people can count on?
• Do you have the confidence to be an effective decision-maker or do you prefer/need a co-decider?
• Do you apply a sense of urgency to the Decision-Making process or do you feel relieved when you can delay the outcome?

Back in my Director-days, everyone that worked with me understood that you were always empowered to make a decision everyday…EVERYDAY.  Making no decision…non-action was NOT acceptable.  Further it was my policy that no matter what there could always be a better decision on any issue…but no decision usually only made the situation worse!

I think if you answered all of the quiz questions honestly…everyone could improve their Decision-Making capacities.  So are you ready…or still deciding?