Decisions: an Audio annotation and commentary from Greg
The purpose of question #1 “Decisions“ is to hopefully help you understand your personal style or approach in how you go about making important decisions.
As long as you feel your approach is getting the results you need and it supports your management style, you will be able to communicate how you made the decision to your team and people will follow your decisions.
How do you go about making decisions?
A) I start with research and gathering data.
B) I discuss the issue with a trusted adviser, friend, and staff member. I think out loud.
C) I only need enough information to make a decision. I am more of a “big picture” decision maker.
A) Those of you who answered that you like to start by “researching and gathering data“ fall into the “analytical” group. Typically, these people are able to consume and organize large amounts of information. When these decision makers have a lack of information, this strength quickly transforms into a weakness because they feel uncomfortable making a decision and will procrastinate until they feel better (i.e. have enough information).
While you are researching and gathering data, make sure that you do not miss out on an important opportunity or that your problem continues to grow during this period of information gathering and analyzing the data. time you are being analytical.
B) Those who answered that they seek the counsel of a “trusted adviser, friend, and staff member” are in a unique league. Some of the most economically successful (wealthy) people in the world have a group of paid advisers (accountant, attorney, etc.) that they consult with before making major business decisions. They do what I call “thinking out loud” with these advisers to get a fresh perspective.
C) If you answered “only need enough information to make a decision,” you likely pride yourself on your ability to make quick decision. You have a sense of what you want to accomplish, and once you have information that confirms your assumptions you make an immediate decision. Your advantage is that you can move quickly and adapt to situations. The downside to your decision-making style is that every once in a while you get caught making a really bad decision. When speaking with these decision makers do not waste their time trying to sell them on your idea if you have not confirmed that they are interested. Otherwise, they will feel a lack of respect and dismiss your idea entirely.
