FaithRalston.com

Greetings!

It's cold in Minnesota this December, so I chose a topic that would get your blood moving. You've probably noticed that it takes a long time to get decisions made. I'm on a mission this month to clean up decision making. It's a messy job, but somebody's got to do it.

What's new? Hurray! I've finished writing my new book on the hot topic of Talents - How to maximize 100% of employee talents. The name of the book is still a mystery, but soon to be revealed.

This book will help you learn how to lead smart knowledge workers and discover whether you have the right mix of 'Diamond, Heart, Club, or Spade' talents to succeed.

If you'd like a sneak preview, please send me an email and I'll pass along the first chapters to you.

Enjoy this month's article!

8 Ways to Speed Up Decisions

Are you dealing with Sluggish Decisions?

Are you running from meeting to meeting, going in circles - with few if any decisions made? If so, the health of your organization is at risk.

Fast, effective decisions are the life-blood of business. Sludge in the decision-making process causes delays, customer frustrations, and lost opportunities.

Today, there is less time and more issues on the table. Decisions must be made quickly. There are more people involved and the issues are complex. How can you safely pick up the pace without making costly mistakes?

Here are some ideas you can use to make decision-making more agile and effective. You can:

1. Slow down to speed up.
Rather than forcing a decision, consider why you're stuck. You might need a different resource, a critical piece of information, or be fearful to move forward. Ask, "What is causing us to pause? What will help us move forward?"

2. Involve the right people.
Leaders spend far too much time trying to figure out decisions that require input from other people. Make a preliminary decision and then ask the individuals who are affected by the decision to improve on your idea. Recognize when you are ruminating about issues that others should weigh in on.

3. Ask the right questions.
Premature closure creates angst. Don't force a decision before you are ready. When you can't decide, ask a different question. Consider, "What question do we need to ask?" Tee up the new question and ask others to ponder. A different question stimulates alternative thinking and better solutions.

4. Compensate for politics.
Employees wait for the leader to weigh in and then jump on board. You must encourage divergent thinking and dissident views to get the best options and choices on the table before a good decision can be made. Beware of politically correct behavior that ruins good decisions.

5. Take a risk.
Fear of failure runs rampant today. No one wants to be blamed for a bad decision. Yet not deciding can be the worst mistake of all. Agree to take a risk. Make a decision and see what happens. Allow for mistakes. Correct as you need to. Be willing to learn as you go.

6. Seek a better solution.
If you're struggling between picking option A or B, you probably haven't figured out the best solution. Look for an even better idea and go for option C. When you can't decide, realize the best solution is often a bigger solution.

7. Clarify who makes the decision.
When a decision is on the table, make it clear who is going to decide. Say, "I want your input before I make the final decision." Or "We will collectively make this decision." Or "You need to decide and I'll support your decision." Clarity about who decides makes it easier to step forward without stepping on toes.

8. Deal with the elephant in the room.
More often than not, the decisions aren't difficult - it's the people involved who are difficult. Tackle these issues head on. Mistrust and tension thwart good decisions. Name the elephant in the room and make better headway.

Now it's time to put these ideas to work. Take this list of ideas to your next meeting. Ask individuals to choose one idea that will improve your decision-making process. Brainstorm ways to implement this idea. Then do so.

Don't delay! Suggish decisions lead to sluggish results. How well decisions are made is a sure indicator of healthy performance.

****************************************
I welcome your ideas. Please email me at faith@faithralston.com and share strategies you are using to improve decision making.
****************************************

NEWS AND EVENTS

NEW OFFERING: GIVE VOICE TO YOUR VISION

Want to inspire others? If so, sign up for my new offering, "Give Voice to Your Vision," and learn how to share your ideas and stories in a compelling way to engage others. This program is ideal for leaders and teams who want to implement a new vision. Call or email me if you are interested in learning more about this special program.

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS CERTIFICATION

Do you want to help others shine? Sign up for Play to Your Strengths certification training. We tailor our certification program to fit your busy schedule. Call me today at 612.333.7047 to learn more.

FOR WOMEN ONLY!

If you want to connect with other Amazing Women leaders, join us for our monthly "Awesome Women's Night Out" at the Midland Hills Country Club. December 14 from 6 - 9 p.m. Learn more at www.awesome-women.org. Hope to see you there!

That's all for this month. Have a blessed season and enjoy precious family and friends!

Faith

President, Leaps of Faith, Inc. and Creator of Play to Your Strengths Talent System