Decisions, decisions!

With any position of leadership comes the key role of decision-making. From complex strategic decisions that need to be made, to the ones about policy, hiring and more, there’s no getting away from the requirement as a leader to have to decide.  

Decision-making shapes the culture, teams and ultimately the future of our organisations. All our decisions and indecisions communicate something, whether it be values, vision or priorities.

All have great impact not just on operational aspects but on people as well, so it’s worth ensuring that we take the appropriate time to think things through and consider our choices. 

Decision-agility

Some of us are far quicker when it comes to making decisions than others and whilst decisiveness is a strength, it’s important not to forfeit careful thought at the expense of speed. Excellent leadership cultivates the ability to know when and in what circumstances to act quickly and when to pause and gain greater perspective and clarity.  

Inclusive decision-making

As a leader, we can be tempted to make a decision without any consultation, as it’s far quicker. Bringing other people into the process helps to instil confidence and trust in others - people will feel heard and valued. As leaders, we want to be hearing from diverse perspectives, where open dialogue is the norm.   

Values-led 

Leaders should be thinking about how a decision aligns with their values and the business’ values. Ask yourself: 

• Does this decision align with our core values? 

• What message does this choice send? 

• Who benefits, and who might be harmed? 

Outcome

As leaders, it's essential we take ownership of our decisions and their outcomes - evaluating what worked, what didn’t, and how we can improve. 

Fundamentally, decision-making is an ethical matter.

Philosopher David Rodin defines ethics as the study of intrinsic reasons for action, unlike strategy which provides instrumental reasons. Ethical thinking spans centuries, with three major philosophical approaches offering insight.

Jeremy Bentham’s Utilitarianism focuses on maximising happiness for the greatest number. Immanuel Kant emphasised duty and treating others with dignity, never as mere means to an end. Aristotle highlighted virtue ethics, encouraging personal growth and the pursuit of ‘eudaimonia’ - human flourishing - through traits like courage and honesty. Rodin summarises these perspectives as ethics toward the world, others, and self - helping us answer the crucial question: what ought I to do? 

So next time you’re faced with a decision, why not ask yourself these three questions - ‘is it good for the world? Is it right by others? Is it fitting with the self you aspire to be?’