Leadership is making decisions. That’s why we often evaluate leadership potential by looking at past decisions. Job interviews and reference checks typically focus on how someone has handled difficult choices. In short, we’re asking: Can you make a decision?
But leadership decisions aren’t usually about choosing between right and wrong — they’re often about choosing between right and right. Leaders regularly face decisions between strong, valid options that could all lead to good outcomes. So how can leaders make the best possible choices when no clear winner emerges?
Let’s explore a few common approaches — and their limitations:
- Logic and Lists: Some leaders use pros and cons lists. But when the scales don’t clearly tip in one direction, logic alone may not offer clarity.
- Seeking Advice: Others turn to mentors or consultants. While valuable, advice is just that — advice. No one can predict the future, and leaders must ultimately own the consequences, good or bad.
- Trusting Instincts: Many say, “Go with your gut.” But how do you know if it’s instinct — or just internal bias? We tend to view decisions through the lens of our personal history, not always reality. And let’s be honest — sometimes that “gut feeling” is just last night’s pizza.
So what can you do?
Here are five essential, research-backed strategies to help leaders make more confident, best-fit decisions (adapted from 5 Essential Strategies for Decision Making in Leadership, April 2025):
- Define the problem clearly. Start by identifying the problem — not just the surface issue, but the root cause. Clear definitions and thorough understanding help ensure your team is focused on solving the right challenge. Gather enough data to paint a full picture before moving forward.
- Explore alternatives. Consider a range of possible solutions. Analyzing different options reveals potential outcomes, risks and benefits. The broader the perspective, the better your chances of finding the most effective path forward.
- Involve your team. Decision-making doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Involving team members fosters collaboration, encourages ownership and often leads to better ideas. When people feel included, engagement and performance increase across the board.
- Leverage data and analytics. Use data to drive decisions. Analytics help you track trends, measure impact and avoid guesswork. Prioritize metrics that actually matter so your decisions are rooted in meaningful insight — not just noise.
- Embrace accountability, not certainty. We’ll never have all the answers — but we can commit to thoughtful, informed and value-driven decisions. Leadership is about making the best call with what we know and being prepared to adjust when new information comes.
At the end of the day, leadership comes down to decisions — big and small — that shape the future of your team or organization. Others are counting on you. And you’re counting on yourself. Make it count.
