Decision Making: The 5 W’s Every Leader Should Ask Themselves

How can anyone expect to be a real and effective leader until they become a consistent, dependable, confident and smart decision maker? While we often mention making a decision (or decisions), we rarely develop people who are ready for primetime, as soon as they rise to a position. Unfortunately, however, when you lead, you must understand that you cannot simply choose the schedule of events and eventualities, but must be ready, willing, prepared, and able to step forward, proactively, and make a decision. clearly and decisively. Since I have been involved in identifying, qualifying, developing, training and mentoring over a thousand people in leadership positions for over three decades, I have decided that it might be useful to think about this essential ingredient/component, looking at it, from the evaluation of the 5W that every leader must ask.

one. Why is it important/necessary?: Don’t just consider something relevant or substantive, or automatically focus in a particular way, simply because others have done it, or are doing it, or you think it’s the politically correct (PC) approach! Ask yourself why this is a priority and what need or concern does it address or should be addressed?

two. Where I want to go?: What is the goal or direction I am looking to go? How can anyone accomplish anything significant unless they know their priorities and goals, and have a vision that is clear, vital, vibrant, mission-focused, and clearly outlined?

3. What should I do?: It is not wise to act too quickly or wait too long! If you know what you want to achieve, how are you going to get there? What is the action plan you are looking for? How will you step up and lead by example to clearly motivate others to join, get involved and care more deeply about the organization and its relevance and sustainability?

Four. When should I proceed?: What is your schedule? How long will it take to conduct a sufficient review, and when will you start taking actionable, quality, relevant action? How will you balance the challenge of acting soon enough, while simply avoiding premature and hasty action?

5. Who besides me can I count on to take me (and the group) there?: Have you learned enough to have the keen judgment necessary to assess others and distinguish between those who simply use empty rhetoric, or Aspire, and those you can count on, and make a quality, reliable member of your team (or inner circle)? No one can do it all by themselves, so it’s up to you to build the best team you can, delegate appropriately (to skilled people), and move on to make a real difference.

Make your decisions, the best they can be! wear these 5W to enhance their potential and abilities.