Directive Approach Of Decision Making Helps Leaders Ensure That the team’s Quick Response In Crises

One of the most essential roles of a leader is decision-making. However, there are different decision-making approaches that leaders can adopt, each with their advantages and disadvantages. One such approach is the directive decision-making approach, in which the leader makes decisions without consulting subordinates. He often relies only on his experience or knowledge. Note that the directive decision-making approach is used during critical times, emergencies, or crises. Moreover, this type is characterized by conservatism, stability, repetitive patterns, and constant constancy. Although it sounds commanding and monopolistic, leaders with a directive decision-making approach make decisions after a long time of planning and organization.

The importance of the directive approach in decision-making

• In situations where time is limited to decide, this approach is essential to ensure it is made quickly and efficiently.
• The directive decision-making approach enables the leader to benefit from his specialized knowledge and experience.
• A leader must make decisions quickly in times of crisis or emergency. A directive decision-making approach can ensure that the team can respond rapidly and decisively to a situation.

Advantages of the directive approach in decision-making

1. Speed. It can be much faster than other decision-making methods, as the leader can decide independently without consulting others.
2. Clarity of responsibility. Because the leader is the sole decision maker in this method, there is clarity about who is responsible for the decision or what the decision is.
3. Consistency. When a leader makes decisions independently, he is likelier to be consistent and stick to a specific vision or plan.
4. Specialized experience. In cases where a leader has specialized knowledge or expertise, a decision-making approach can leverage that experience and make informed decisions based on that knowledge.
5. Strengthening the administrative structure. It can help reinforce the team’s hierarchical management organization and ensure that decisions are made from the top down. This may be important in some contexts where clear lines of authority are necessary.

Disadvantages of the directive approach in decision-making

1. There needs to be more team decision support. When a leader needs to consult their team members, a Lack of commitment and support from the team may affect them.
2. Limiting creativity and innovation. When a leader makes decisions independently, he risks restricting the range of options or ideas, leading to limited creativity and innovation.
3. Not seizing opportunities can sometimes prevent opportunities from being taken, as team members may have insights or experiences the leader needs to learn about.
4. Exclusivity of experience in the leader. In the directive decision-making process, the leader is the sole decision maker, which may lead to the leader’s exclusiveness of experience and knowledge alone.
5. Possibility of occurrence and biases. When a leader makes decisions alone, errors or biases can occur.

Characteristics of a leader who practices the directive approach of decision-making

1. Decisiveness and speed. Leaders who use this approach tend to be decisive and quick to make decisions because they are confident in their judgment and can act without doubting themselves.
2. Self-confidence. Leaders who use a directive decision-making approach are usually confident in their abilities and have a strong sense of self-confidence. They trust their instincts and are unafraid to make complex, unpopular decisions.
3. Strong vision. Through a directive approach to decision-making, leaders have a strong vision for their organization or team. Therefore, they can make decisions that support this vision.
4. Clarity and conciseness. Leaders who use this decision-making approach are usually clear and concise in their communications. They can clarify the reasons for their decisions in a way that their team understands.
5. The ability to bear responsibility. Leaders who use this decision-making approach are usually willing to take responsibility for their decisions. They realize that they are ultimately responsible for the success or failure of their team or organization, and they are eager to take responsibility for their actions.

By considering the context of their approach and the potential consequences, leaders can choose the approach best suited to the situation at hand and lead their teams successfully.

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