How to Make 5x Faster Decisions: A Guide for Senior Leaders

“There are no right decisions. There are only decisions that you choose to make right.” – Terez Rijkenberg

Imagine a world where every choice you’ve made was the right one. How differently would you approach decision-making if this were your belief? It’s a powerful mindset that can reshape how we view our past choices and future possibilities.

The Impact of Perspective in Decision-Making

If you embraced the idea that all your past decisions were correct, consider the effects:

1. Reduced Regret: You’d spend less time ruminating over past choices, recognizing them as stepping stones to your current success.
2. Action over Perfection: Instead of seeking the “right” decision, you’d focus on acting decisively, shaping outcomes as you go.
3. Eliminating Stagnation: The feeling of being ‘stuck’ would dissipate, replaced by confidence in your ability to move forward.
4. Confidence Boost: Trust in your decision-making skills would soar, knowing you can handle any outcome.

Embrace this mindset and witness how it accelerates your decision-making process.

The Freedom of Choice

Believing that your past decisions were right can liberate you. It means every future decision also has the potential to be correct. This approach eliminates hours spent overanalyzing, allowing for quicker, more confident choices.

Decision-Making Dilemma

We’ve all experienced the paralysis of indecision, causing stress and frustration. This often stems from:

1. Fear of the Unknown: Avoiding decisions due to unfamiliar discomfort.
2. Familiar Discomfort: Preferring known stress over the uncertainty of a new choice.

However, indecision is still a decision, and it usually leads to prolonged discomfort.

The Key to Faster, Better Decisions

The reluctance to make quick decisions often comes from a fear of facing unknown challenges. But here’s the twist: avoiding a decision doesn’t spare you discomfort; it simply delays it. Recognizing this cognitive trap is the first step to overcoming it.

Actionable Strategies for Senior Leaders

As a senior leader, here’s how you can apply these insights:

1. Shift Perspective: Start viewing every decision as the right one. This shift can dramatically change your approach and reduce hesitation.
2. Embrace Discomfort: Acknowledge that discomfort is part of growth. Choosing to face it head-on can lead to more effective decision-making.
3. Encourage Team Decisiveness: Foster an environment where your team feels empowered to make decisions, knowing that any outcome can be steered towards success.

By adopting these strategies, you not only enhance your decision-making skills but also set a powerful example for your team, paving the way for a more dynamic and decisive leadership style.