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nothing. Attributed to Theodore Roosevelt.

However, it is frequently demonstrated that the decision-making in many
organizations leaves a lot to be desired. In many leadership situations,

there may be too many or too few people with authority to decide,
resources may be too dispersed or inadequate to needs, or key leaders or
stakeholders may have conflicting or frustratingly vague goals.
Additionally, the information that is needed may be incomplete, or aspects
of the organization’s culture and other group influences may be getting in

the way of reasoned and rational choice.

Unfortunately, most of us are not taught decision-making skills as we

move through our education and our job. At the same time, for many
business leaders it is a complex and uncomfortable part of their job,
especially when the stakes are high. Every decision requires making a
choice between two or more possibilities, and every decision will have
consequences; doors will open and doors will close; people will either
agree or disagree with you. We quickly learn that you can't always please

everyone.

The skill of problem-solving discussed previously is one process that leads
to improved decision-making. Both problem-solving and decision-making
require creativity in identifying and developing appropriate and effective
options. Both skill sets are also outcome-oriented and results-driven,
knowing the direction to go. Leadership is all about having a vision of

where you want to be and making decisions along the way to get closer to
achieving this vision.

A leader must also be able to wade through information, determine what’s
relevant, make a well-considered decision, and take action based on that
decision. However, making decisions too quickly or too slowly impedes

leadership effectiveness. It should also be remembered that decision-
making in leadership involves followers, so making a decision that will be
accepted by others and acted on will usually require being aware of what
followers are likely to accept, and the ability to communicate the decision
to them and inspire the team to follow.

Clearly, we all have to make decisions continually, and some are more

David Kolzow 204