Decision making in times of challenge

Decision making in a time of challenge - which way to go?

In part one of a two-part blog series leadership expert Claire Irving from Better Strategic Consultancy reflects on the importance of business and charity leaders meeting a challenge head on.

Reflecting on some of my toughest challenges in leadership roles, decision making during times of crisis comes close to the top of the leaderboard. It can be exhilarating and tiring, pressured and freeing.  Regardless of your role, whether in a business or charity, we all have moments where the buck stops with us, and difficult moments must be met head on… so how can you navigate this in the best way possible? 

• Understand your role and make sure those around you understand theirs.  Who is responsible for making decisions?  What is the timeframe and what is happening next? How will you know resolutions? 

• Lean into the skills around you. If you’re a CEO, remember that you are not the expert in everything - answers or options may sit outside of your senior team or organisation. 

• Give yourself time to pause and to think. Using this space for yourself as a leader will make all the difference. 

• Maintain your focus in the right areas and keep your cool (knowing you need a safe space to let off steam too) – all eyes will be on how you manage yourself. 

• Get assurance that the systems and policies in place are being used. They are there to support you and keep your people, clients or customers safe. 

• Use compassionate leadership skills and think about the impact on others – what do you want your people to feel, think and do? How will this happen? 

• Somethings are confidential, but where you can share make sure you communicate, communicate and communicate again.  Your people may have confidence and trust in you, but you must continually earn it and it can be swiftly lost.  

• Make the decision.  Someone wise once said to me, that there are no wrong decisions, only wrong outcomes.  If you are using the skills, expertise and information around you as well as your own insight, you are doing the best you can.     

Making a key decision during difficult moments is only one part of the journey.  In my next blog, I'll write about what great leaders do next and how this helps their charity or organisation to flourish and thrive. 

The team at Better are experts in leading, navigating and managing those tricky leadership moments. If you need support or want to explore more about what we’ve written above, contact Claire and Siobhan and find out how we can help you.   

You can email Claire and Siobhan at Better info@betterconsult.co.uk visit them at www.betterconsult.co.uk or connect with them on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/betterstrategicconsultancyltd