Here's how you can navigate obstacles in strategic decision making.

Gather Data: Collect relevant data and information to understand your decision's context and potential impact. Analyze Trends: Look at historical data and trends to predict future scenarios and outcomes. Root Cause Analysis: Use techniques like the 5 Whys or Fishbone Diagram to identify the root cause of the problem. Define Scope and Impact: Clearly define the scope of the problem and its potential impact on the organization. Stakeholder Involvement: Involve key stakeholders early in decision-making to gain diverse perspectives and build support. Communicate Transparently: Please make sure everyone understands the reason behind the decision.

If we are able to identify potential threats and opportunities, and allow the choices to maximise benefits whilst minimizing the negative outcomes, we can be successful.

I've always lived by the motto that when things get tough, it's the strong ones who step up and take charge. I believe you need to have the guts to take calculated risks and trust your instincts. Of course, it's not just about making solo decisions - you need to bring your team into the fold and get their input on the best strategies to overcome obstacles. But at the end of the day, you can't ignore your own intuition. You're the one with the vision, and you know what changes will bring the most benefit. So, you need to be bold and make that move. And to make it happen, you need a clear plan in place to tackle any roadblocks that might get in your way. That's how you turn your strategic decisions into reality.

Risk assessing any strategic innovation makes eventual success more likely and can also bring to light unseen opportunities as well as potential flaws or setbacks.

Take a look back at your initial vision and philosophy, and then focus on sustainability to meet the needs of the future. Slow and steady march to your Big Hairy Goal!

Always gathering information from different perspectives is important to judge any matter with certainty. Transparency is important in any judgment

I found it helpful to open discussions in a team manner rather than in an individual meetings. Such debate driven views will be more helpful in discission making.

Encouraging debuts can be very helpful in gathering data to make a sound decision on diverse ideas to make well rounded strategic decisions.

In my experience debate creates a right and wrong culture. I like to think that creating a culture and environment or robust discussion that invites and welcomes challenge to ideas and thought, it may not solve or identify the strategic direction but it encourages the culture and understanding that everyone is valued and the strength of the team is the combined knowledge and expertise sitting in the room.

Help your staff create a safe space with interventions such as the “fish bowl” used in Restorative Practices. The individual seeking guidance shares their situation, while the rest of the team share ideas starting with “try this”. In the end, it is crucial to support each other and be consistent with transparency.

Empower your team to make such difficult decisions. Teaching and learning that as a team we can put our ideas together, trust, and support with clarity. If the idea fails, it’s ok to circle back and continue working on it.

To navigate obstacles in strategic decision-making, develop flexibility by staying adaptable to changing conditions, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and maintaining a broad perspective on potential solutions. This approach allows you to pivot quickly, innovate, and leverage diverse insights to overcome challenges effectively.

Assessment and Sustainability Plan. As a leader you must conduct needs assessment to identify whether the decision will align with the goals of the organization and the gaps you intend to solve. Also the leader must consider the development of a sustainability plan during the implementation process to ensure the decision’s long term impact.