How To Make Hard Decisions At Work?

In life, there are times when we need to make decisions that are often hard to bear.

Some may pick the easy way out. Others may let their emotions run wild or take time to decide on a course of action. A few would assess how to go about the problem and pick the best option possible.

As a manager, such decisions can be difficult to do. You need to make the right decision despite its consequences or else, it is going to jeopardize your career.

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But, making the right decision in a difficult situation is easy if you know where to start.

Here below are some tips to help you make hard decisions at work:

  1. Clear your mind

Before you decide, take time to focus and clear your mind. If you decide without understanding what is going on, who is involved and what options are available, it can cause a lot of problems for you and your company.

Having a clear mind can also help you pick the right decision and assess what consequences your decision brings. Do your risk calculation and balance between the pros and cons of each decision.

  1. Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement

As a manager, you have to be neutral when it comes to your decisions.

If you allow your emotions free, your decisions may not be beneficial for the company and for your fellow employees. Be rational when deciding on an issue and always remember this is just one of your tasks as a manager.

Being emotional, you ended making bad decisions that wouldn’t benefit you or your staff.

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Photo by nappy on Pexels.com
  1. Ask for help

If you do not know how to assess a problem or you want a second opinion, don’t be afraid to ask for advice. You can approach your senior or your mentor for advice, as well as your colleagues.

Looking at their opinion can also help you get a clearer picture of what decision you should take.

  1. List down the pros and cons of your decision

In every decision you make, it is crucial that you know its impacts on your co-workers and for the company.

Will your decision sort the problem for a short term or a long term? Take time to assess the impacts of a decision before you proceed with it.

  1. Be confident with your decision

There are instances in life where decisions cannot be determined based on how correct or wrong they are.

Regardless of this fact, you need to be confident with your decision and stick with it. It will show that you are trying your best to make it right and you believe it will work.

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  1. Understand the alternatives

In your chosen career, managers must be a step ahead of everyone when the company is facing a crisis.

When you are made aware of an issue, learn all the possible scenarios that can happen and what decisions you can take. If your first decision is not effective, go for the second one. Having a backup plan will go a long way to prevent further problems for your company.

In Summary

A good manager must always be quick in their response and calm whenever they are faced with a difficult situation.

With the above tips, they can help reduce the pressure you may have with your position and work accordingly. Remember, your co-workers depend on your wise leadership so you must be ready to make a tough decision when it is necessary.

Being a good manager keeps good employees, find out how you can improve:

Managers: 8 Essential Ways To Retain Employees (And Keep Them Productive!)

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6 Comments Add yours

  1. Constantly second guessing my decision is the worst. I’ve gotten better at being confident, but it can be a struggle.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      I used to doubt myself too so I know what you are talking about. I had a boss who kept “knocking” my head whenever I second guess myself until I developed some balls. Lol.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. When will the art of Decision making, become the brushstroke in utilizing experiences?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kally says:

      When you become expert at it 😉

      Like

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