How Do You Make Tough Decisions as a Leader?
To help you navigate the complex process of decision-making as a leader, we’ve gathered insights from eleven top CEOs and Founders. From balancing data analysis and values to analyzing potential stakeholder impacts, these leaders share their unique processes and considerations when faced with difficult choices.
- Balancing Data Analysis and Values
- Practicing Strategic Risk Management
- Using a Three-Pronged Decision-Making Approach
- Utilizing Data, Team Input, and Ethics
- Reviewing the Information Systematically
- Receiving Advice While Having Ultimate Responsibility
- Considering Business and Emotional Perspectives
- Approaching Decisions With an Analytical Mindset
- Focusing on the Customer Experience First
- Aligning Decisions With Your Mission and Values
- Analyzing Potential Stakeholder Impacts
Balancing Data Analysis and Values
The process of making challenging decisions as a leader involves a thorough assessment of various factors. First, gather all relevant information and perspectives, often seeking input from the team and industry experts. Then, weigh the potential impact on the hot tub business, considering financial implications, customer satisfaction, and long-term goals.
Also, assess the ethical and moral aspects of the decision. Ultimately, aim for a balance between data-driven analysis and a values-based approach, striving to make choices that align with the mission and benefit both the company and the customers.
Karl Rowntree
Founder and Director, RotoSpa
Practicing Strategic Risk Management
As a business leader, I always try to strategically navigate risks and uncertainty. I often face uncertainty in the decision-making process, but I always know I can arrive at the best possible choice by conducting an in-depth strategic analysis. For example, I always consider factors such as profit margins for our sales and marketing strategy, cannibalization risks in our products and their development, etc.
At all times, I make it a point to understand the balance between the purpose and profitability of our business, or within our teams. I know that if I am to take risks, I need to know how long I can maintain the balance between the two, and have a backup plan for the worst-case scenario.
Cillian Reynolds
Managing Director, CBD Oil Ireland
Using a Three-Pronged Decision-Making Approach
In leadership, our process for tackling tough choices centers on three key factors: data, team input, and long-term impact. We believe in data-driven decisions, as statistics show that leaders who rely on data are 79% more likely to make effective choices.
We also emphasize seeking input from our team, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. Inclusive leadership boosts team performance by 17%. For instance, when faced with a critical market pivot, we collected and analyzed market data, consulted our cross-functional team, and made an informed decision that led to a 30% revenue increase.
Prioritizing long-term impact ensures our choices align with our organization’s mission and values. By combining these factors, we navigate leadership challenges with clarity and confidence.
Himanshu Sharma
CEO and Founder, Academy of Digital Marketing
Utilizing Data, Team Input, and Ethics
Making difficult decisions is an inevitable part of leadership. My process revolves around data, team input, and ethical considerations. First, I immerse myself in data analytics to understand all possible outcomes and scenarios related to the decision.
Utilizing people analytics and other data points, I assess the potential impact on our team and operations. Next, I seek insights from my leadership team, ensuring I have diverse perspectives and perhaps uncover aspects I might have overlooked.
Considering the organizational culture and ethical implications of the decision is paramount. I evaluate how the decision aligns with our core values and its potential ripple effects on our stakeholders.
After synthesizing all this information, I make a decision and ensure transparent communication about the ‘why’ behind it to our team, ensuring clarity and alignment moving forward. This approach ensures that decisions are informed, collective, and in tune with our organizational ethos.
Carlos Trillo
Founder and CEO, Evinex
Reviewing the Information Systematically
One way I make tough choices is by following a planned process. First, I make sure I understand the problem clearly. Then, I gather all the available information and choices.
After that, I carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option, keeping in mind the long-term goals and core values of our company. Once I’ve made a choice, I make it a priority to communicate openly with the team to ensure they understand why I made that choice.
Being ready to change based on feedback, taking responsibility for the results, and thinking about the process are all important parts of how I lead. In the end, I want to make choices that align with our purpose and values and take everyone’s well-being into account.
Jay Toy
General Manager, 88stacks
Receiving Advice While Having Ultimate Responsibility
I tend to favor a very democratic way of making difficult decisions—I get advice from my inner circle and do my best to consider every aspect of the decision. Ultimately, as I am the CEO, the buck stops with me.
If there is a difficult decision to be made for the organization, it is very much on my shoulders to make it after hearing my people out.
Dragos Badea
CEO, Yarooms
Considering Business and Emotional Perspectives
I first take an all-business approach. I consider the matter from an emotionless, all-business view. I come to my strictly business solution and then reconsider the matter, allowing emotion as a factor.
If I can come to the same conclusion both times, then great. If I can’t, I at least can have an honest discussion with myself about whether this particular decision, whatever it is, should be based on business or emotion.
Christopher Olson
CFO, Surfside Services
Approaching Decisions With an Analytical Mindset
As a leader, it is important to approach difficult decisions with a clear and analytical mindset. The first step in this process is to thoroughly analyze the situation at hand.
This involves gathering all relevant information, including data, feedback from team members, and any other factors that may have an impact on the decision. By taking a step back and objectively evaluating the situation, you can better understand the problem and potential solutions.
Evan Tunis
President, Florida Healthcare Insurance
Focusing on the Customer Experience First
As a leader, my approach to making tough choices is all about putting the customer’s experience first. When I make decisions, I always think about how they’ll impact our customers and if it helps us offer the best possible experience. This approach helps us make decisions that lead to a smooth and enjoyable experience for our patients.
Diane Howard
RN and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Aligning Decisions With Your Mission and Values
Alignment with Mission and Values: Assessing whether the decision aligns with our agency’s mission, vision, and core values is crucial. If it deviates from these guiding principles, it’s likely not the right choice, as it could lead to inconsistencies in our branding, culture, and client relationships.
Ensuring that every decision supports our mission and values helps maintain a strong sense of purpose and builds trust among employees, clients, and partners. It also serves as a clear framework for making difficult choices, ensuring that they contribute to the agency’s long-term success and reputation.
Bruno Gavino
Founder and CEO, CodeDesign
Analyzing Potential Stakeholder Impacts
When facing difficult decisions, it’s vital to gather and analyze all relevant data and consider the potential impacts on stakeholders, including employees, customers, and shareholders.
Engaging in open dialogue with team members and seeking advice from mentors or other experienced leaders can provide valuable perspectives.
Ultimately, aligning the decision with the organization’s values and long-term goals while being prepared to take responsibility for the outcomes is fundamental to effective leadership.
Amanda Miller
CEO, Angel Numbers Guru
Submit Your Answer
Would you like to submit an alternate answer to the question, “What’s your process for making difficult choices as a leader, and what factors do you consider?”
