How to Make Good Decisions

By Charles Scott
When I assumed this position, I asked a mentor, “How do I learn to make good decisions?” He replied, “By making some bad ones.”

There is a lot of truth to the fact that leadership requires some on-the-job training. However, when it comes to sound judgment, leaders must be prepared to make quality decisions. Here are some guidelines to help us:

1. Biblically Sound – Our first standard is the Word of God. If the Bible opposes the concept or idea, then the leader has no business even taking a second consideration.
2. Is this well thought out? Has every possible conceivable outcome been considered? I often ask those I work with, “What are we missing?” It is better to go slow and think it through than rush and miss something vitally important.
3. Will it have wide- based support? I have learned that we all have tunnel vision. We are all influenced to a large degree by a certain paradigm or viewpoint. Good decisions do not just benefit a small group of people but are designed for the well-being of the whole. Decisions made for special interest groups are not ethical but in truth deceptive because they will use the resources of the whole to benefit a portion. Leaders must protect those who cannot speak or protect themselves.
4. Is it connected to the vision? How does it fit into the overall direction of the organization? I learned a valuable lesson years ago, “Not now does not mean never.” Timing is essential to good ideas. Leaders should be committed to never birth a vision without the resources to nurture and grow that vision into maturity.
5. How is the success measured? Every effort we undertake should have standards of measure and accountability. Jesus taught the principle of measurement in John 15. Leaders must make decisions that provide measures and quantifying assessment of the plan of action. If you do not know where you are going, any road will get you there.