PT #12: Action Without Thought is Dangerous. Thought Without Action is USELESS [1 Minute Better]

Effective Leadership Series

Practical Tip #12: Make Sounds and Timely Decisions

How can I be better in both the quality and the timeliness of the decisions I make?

Action without thought is dangerous; thought without action is useless.

A leader is someone who makes decisions. When you are a leader, your decision-making skills are on display for everyone to see. Whether that's a good thing or not depends on your ability to think under pressure.

When you are faced with a difficult decision and no time to think it through, it is easy to fall into the trap of making an uninformed decision or even no decision at all. This will leave your team feeling lost, frustrated, and vulnerable.

It is vital that you be able to think under pressure. Your ability to make rational decisions quickly and efficiently will benefit not only yourself but also your team.

Thinking on the fly is fine when there is no other option available, but it's always better to make informed decisions that are based on facts rather than assumptions or conjecture. Improve the quality and efficiency of your decisions by thoughtfully considering the advice and suggestions of your team.

➕ BONUS TIP : Set your team up for success by announcing decisions in time to allow your team to make plans around them. If you realize that your decision was wrong, do not hesitate to change course.

🤔WHAT ELSE?

As a leader, consider these additional reasons on why it's important to make sound and timely decisions for several reasons:

1. It shows leadership: Making sound and timely decisions is a key part of being a leader. It demonstrates to your team that you are capable of handling the responsibilities of your role and that you are committed to making the best choices for the team and the organization.
2. It helps to maintain momentum: If decisions are not made in a timely manner, it can hinder the progress of your team and the organization. By making sound and timely decisions, you can help to maintain momentum and keep things moving forward.
3. It helps to prevent problems: If decisions are delayed, it can lead to problems such as confusion, misunderstandings, or conflict. By making sound and timely decisions, you can help to prevent these kinds of problems and keep your team on track.
4. It promotes trust: When team members see that you are capable of making sound and timely decisions, it can help to build trust and confidence in your leadership.

In summary, making sound and timely decisions is essential for effective leadership and for the success of your team and the organization. It demonstrates your ability to handle responsibilities and make the best choices for all involved, and helps to maintain momentum, prevent problems, and build trust.

🤔MORE?

What are the 11 United States Marine Corps Leadership Principles?

I find it helpful (and humbling) to reflect on these principles from time to time, and ask myself, 'How can I be better at..?'

1. Know yourself and seek self-improvement ('How can I be better at improving on my areas of weaknesses?')
2. Be technically and tactically proficient ('How can I become more proficient in my areas of responsibility?')
3. Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates ('How can I be better at developing a sense of responsibility among my team?')
4. Make sound and timely decisions ('How can I be better in both the quality and the timeliness of the decisions I make?)
5. Set an example ('How can I be better at setting the example for my team to follow?')
6. Know your people and look out for their welfare ('Is there anything else I can do to better know my team? Is there anything else I can do to better look out for my team's welfare?')
7. Keep your people informed ('How can I be better at keeping my team informed?')
8. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions ('How can I be better at taking on new responsibilities and owning the results - whether good or bad?')
9. Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished ('How can I be better at setting up my team up for success in any task they're assigned?' 'After assigning a task, how can I be better at supervising them such that they develop a sense of responsibility for their work?)
10. Train your people as a team ('How can I be better at building a cohesive team?)
11. Employ your team in accordance with its capabilities ('How can I be better at playing to my team's strengths while helping them improve in areas of weakness?')

🎓Learn more about Marine Corp Leadership traits and principles in 'Marine Corps Warfighting Publication MCWP 6-10 Leading Marines' https://amzn.to/3vlEStl via @mazon

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