What Are Decision Making Approaches That Demonstrate Effective Leadership?

There are many books, speakers and coaches who want to help your organization practice effective leadership. The difference between the companies that do well and those who struggle are often related to the effectiveness of their leadership.

No matter what method and people you use to support your organization here are ten decision making approaches that strengthen effective leadership.

1.     Research:

Take the time to research your options. Ensure that all the key decision makers are part of the decision-making loop. Don’t move ahead until you know what you are doing.  Don't jump ahead until you see why you are doing it.  You make sure you have a plan to ensure the transition happens as smoothly as possible.

2.     Health and Education:

First, it requires healthy members of the organization.  Companies that invest in the well-being and education of their employees are already ahead of the game.  Happy healthy people make better decisions because they are working at their best.

3.     Clear Decisions:

There needs to be decision making that is transparent. All members of the team need to understand the purpose. No one needs all the information but enough to make sense of the choice. They need to be able to know how the decision will impact the work they do.

4.     Room for Feedback:

In any decision making, there needs to be space for all members of the team to be able to ask questions of clarification.  It is crucial to seek feedback from employees most impacted by the decision to get their insights well before any changes are put into action. Your goal is to get all staff to buy into the improvements the company is making right from the start.

What Are Decision Making Approaches That Demonstrate Effective Leadership?   

5. Space for flexibility:

At times of major change where there will be changes in staffing and positions you need to keep moral up. It is best to prepare people well ahead for substantial changes. Showing sensitivity to those most affected by the change will give you emotional capital to help you through the transition. If you must fire anyone, you need to show compassion in some way recognizing the upheaval in their life.

6.     Educated and Informed Staff:

You want opportunities for staff to participate in training that uses both the written form, the visual and the experiential.  Some people can pick up a lot by reading or looking at a manual. However, others learn easier practicing the skills they need to master.

If you have people who're the first language is not English you want to make sure they get opportunities to keep improving their English. You may want to have instructions manuals written in several languages that cover most of your employees.

7.     Embrace a culture of change:

As I said just above, we all learn in different ways.  It would be best if you had a variety of ways to prepare people for a change. 

You need the trainers to be good at teaching. Just because you know a lot on subjects doesn’t mean you can teach it well.

For further support, it can make a big difference to offer a mentorship program to staff and management who don’t have as much experience.

Read More Here On Healthy Leadership: Click Here

 What Are Decision Making Approaches That Demonstrate Effective Leadership?

8.     Create a Culture of Wellness:

As Canada is becoming more and more multicultural, we need to be sensitive to the fact that people come from many backgrounds.  We can no longer assume we are all Christians, and this was never true.

A company that shows respect for employees from different religions and cultures allowing them to take time off for their sacred days and festivals will build up connection in the organization.

 It includes giving space for working parents who at times may need time to care for a sick child.

It could include initiating fragrance-free zones for employees and customers with allergies.

9.     Share Decisions in a Timely Way:

New initiatives need to be thoughtfully considered. Then, looking at the larger picture determine the time table for announcing it to the different parts of the organization and its customers.

You need to control the flow of information carefully.  It would help if you considered who needs to know first. You don't want to wait too long because you don't want information to go out to people in the organization by the media.

10.  Provide space for Change:

Time must be allocated for team members to learn new procedures, technology and safety requirements.

The time of year needs to be considered. You don't want to make significant changes in the middle of summer when employees want to take more holidays unless this is the only low time for your business. If you are expecting more out of your employees for some time, show your appreciation with a bonus or some other extra.

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Change is never a simple process. However, when you take the time to ensure that everyone impacted is committed to the change that process is going to go smoother.

When you practice decision making that demonstrates effective leadership you will be ahead of the game.

With open communication and respect in the organization, any problems that may arise during the transition will ensure that everyone continues to feel supported.

All members of the team will be committed to making their organization the most successful it can be because they value what they are offering the world.

I am, Roland Legge a Leadership Coach here to help you and your organization to practice effective leadership.  You can sign up for a Free 30 Minute Discovery Call with me in my Acuity Scheduling Calendar.