"Will someone please make a decision" (insert required number of !)

When I say "Will someone please make a decision" I am by no means suggesting that you should defer your destiny to someone else, diminish the need to take "the bull by the horns", or take ownership for your life... or any other pithy saying that reminds us it's our life. Our responsibility to grab on tightly and enjoy with gusto!

It's more directed to that somewhat important saying that reminds us that, "To know how to be a good leader, you need to know how to be a good follower". Let me explain...

As someone who has been on both sides of this fence, I want to take a moment and offer a thought or two from the perspective of the follower... you know, the one asked to make it happen or follow the grand plan; the one who is looking to their leader to set a direction that can be executed on. And this brings us back to the simple request, "Will someone please make a decision" which sometimes also takes the form of a frazzled request, a statement, an urgent statement, a strongly worded statement or a wild eyed demand.

And why this request (or its other variations)? The simple answer is, "Nothing can get done without a decision being made". 

For a follower (a doer, an executor, a fix-it guy) this requirement for "needing a decision" is very high on the list for getting things done; arguably it's number one. There is an appreciation and understanding that a process is required for decision making, that not all decisions are easy ones, or that some decisions require time to make, but more often than not, this is not the reason you hear the words "will someone please make a decision" uttered. (With the appropriate number of exclamation marks added.)

In my experience, the reason for uttering these famous words is more a result of the following (or a combination):

• There is no defined owner for the decision.

• The decision making process has become more important than the actual decision.

• The request for more information is never ending.

• "Decision making" is viewed in absolute terms of right or wrong and not one of "degrees".

• The culture does not encourage risk, empowerment or ownership.

• There just seems to be too many people involved.

• Lack of communication and transparency regarding what is happening.

• There is a belief of "being safe", as you can't be wrong if you do not make a decision.

It should be mentioned that all the above points are made from the perspective of a "follower".

And this weaves us back to the saying, "To know how to be a good leader, you need to know how to be a good follower".  As a leader and appreciating the perspective of the follower, you can work to remove those barriers that are impacting your team's ability to get things done. And with that said, every so often you should take a trip down memory lane and remember those times you found yourself uttering the words "will someone please make a decision" (particularly with flair).

Then ask yourself, "Is there someone on my team who may be saying the same thing?"  If so, remember you can make some changes, because after all, you are the leader.

And if you are a follower, before you know it you may find yourself as the leader so make sure you are taking good notes.

iamgpe

www.gpestratagem.com