Five Thoughts about Handling Tough Decisions

By Charles Scott
Leaders must make tough decisions. The basic principle is that decisions are not made because they are easy, not made because they are cheap; they are made because they are right.

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.
- Roy Disney

#1 - Outcomes are not 100% predictable
We cannot predict perfectly the effect of any decision - regardless of how much care we take in making a choice. We change, our values may change, and circumstances change over a lifespan. Ultimately, we can only decide what is right today and the difference we can make now! When we don't get what we thought we wanted, we do get what God’s Wisdom knew we needed.

#2 - Decisions seem tougher with experience
Decisions appear to become tougher as we gain experience. We are asked to search a larger knowledge bank for difficult answers - to give back as we've been given so that we do not regress. Abraham Maslow wrote, "You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety." Wrong decisions of the past will often illuminate our way to the right decisions of tomorrow. Handling tough decisions - with courage - leads us to grow.

#3 - Some decisions can wait, others cannot.
Some decisions will require fast critical thinking and quick decisive action. Other, more personal decisions, will require more deliberation. Ask yourself: Could this action bring joy, does it support my deepest values, and could it benefit others as well as me? If so, how?

#4 - The Holy Ghost often has an opinion.
Always pay attention to any unshakable feeling that a particular decision is right, or that it is wrong, or that you need to allow some time to pass before making the decision. Check out the facts and do your due diligence on the matter, but don't ever neglect a persistent feeling from the Holy Spirit.

#5 - Decisions do not have to be made alone.
Many difficult decisions require a team effort. Entire teams often need to consult with other teams when needing the benefit of a particular expertise. Individuals, as well, can often turn tough decisions into informed decisions by simply asking for help. One phone call or letter to a friend or colleague might provide the necessary help.