8-9-10 The Decider

Most executives don’t consider their job title to be “The Decider”. And that is a mistake. Why? Because most executives would tell you, if you asked how decisions are made in their company, that it is a group effort. Remember, the model for Executive Skills and Traits defines decisiveness as one of the important execution skills that an executive will need (12-30-09 Morphing to a Model and 1-13-10 Execution Skills -- Now go DO something!).

One of my survey participants had an interesting take on the whole “decider” role that the executive should play. He said,

“Effectiveness at being a leader can by crystallized on those big-deal moments: the pitch is over, the options are up there, sides are drawn. Everyone is looking at the decision-maker -- ‘the decider‘.”

Yes, I know. In the past I have talked about the need for the executive to “spread around” the decision-making. I’m not backing away from that. As an executive, you have to know what level is the appropriate level for making a decision. Many times that level will be one of your staff members.

There are times, however, when YOU will be the decision maker. That is what my survey participant was talking about. You have to take the information that you have, check your gut, take a deep breath, and make the damn decision.

It is interesting how many times that I’ve seen an executive actually back away from one of those big-deal moments. Perhaps they do this by delegating a decision that should not be. Or they “make a decision” by not actually deciding anything (putting their avoidance technique to work). Or they let the group make the decision. Or they kick it upstairs to be made.

Whatever the method, by backing away, the executive becomes less effective. Not only for the current decision, but also for future ones. If your boss or peers or staff watched you back away from one big-deal moment, how likely are they to come back to you the next time? Why bother, if you can’t make a decision!?

So remember, as an executive you ARE expected to make decisions. Step up. You can do it.

Cheers!