Preacher on the Run…

Leadership requires a lot of decision-making. Anyone who has planned an event knows this reality. There are dates to decide on, schedules to make, people to invite, set up to be done, content to create, graphics to be designed, and of course all the other details that go into making the event become a reality. Decisions are needed every step of the way. This is the case no matter if you are leading your child, your team, your department, or an entire organization. Decision-making and leadership go hand in hand. That is why decision fatigue is even a thing. And there is plenty of “advice” out there about decision-making and leadership.

Most of the experts are speaking true realities and insights about making decisions. We do need to filter what decisions need to be made and when. We do need to determine if this decision is reversible or not. We do need to consider if we need more data to make an informed decision or not. And there is the age-old question of when must we make the decision. All of these factors and more are what make decision-making difficult and taxing. However, the area of risk and reward may weigh the heaviest on the decision maker.

Making decisions is what a leader must do. And the more people you lead, the more decisions you typically are involved in or responsible for. And the more decisions you are responsible for and the more people involved the higher the risk and potential reward. So how does one go about making decisions when risk and reward are involved (and which decisions do we make where there is no risk or no reward – eating that taco by myself at 11:30pm has risk…). Eric Geiger shares a great tool to help leaders make decisions regarding risk and reward. But the best part is this framework helps leaders empower others to make decisions as well – which is one of the most important decisions a leader can make ever…developing and empowering other leaders.

So what decision do you have to make today? Who will pick up the kids from school? How will we meet the budget next month? What went wrong with that situation and what must we do differently next time so it doesn’t happen again? Whatever leadership decision you have to make today – I hope this framework is helpful. As always I’d love to hear from you. How do you make difficult decisions? And don’t forget to be with the Lord’s people on the Lord’s Day.

Until Next Time…