What to do When You Don’t Know What to do
By Heidi Sadecky, MA,PCC – Executive Coach & Director, Townsend Leadership Program
Everyone endures at least a few bumps and bruises along their leadership journeys. Sometimes, the moment you feel like you're at the peak of your game, life throws you one too many curveballs, and it can feel like you're sent back to square one. The key to keeping your momentum going is having the courage to step back up to the plate ready to take another swing. You never know, this just might be the moment you knock it out of the park.
As a leader, we at times get stuck…we’re not sure what to do next or what decision to ultimately make. Rarely do decisions impact just the leader. Often the decision impacts direct reports, peers and customers…even your family. It’s not uncommon for leaders to feel isolated in our decision-making process and we’re left to bear the weight by ourselves.
Several years ago, I had to make a significant professional decision. I had worked in the same industry and same corporation for more than 25 years. I believed I would retire from this organization. It was a good industry, high caliber team members, challenging work, partnering customers and a decent comp package. Yet, I found myself at a cross roads. I had an emerging passion that was very different from the management role I was in. I started feeling energized again, scared and unsure. I didn’t know what to do. I was stuck.
Once I navigated that tough decision with no regrets and have coached many leaders on making their next best decision, here’s what I now advise my clients to do.
Whenever you are facing a challenging decision, ask yourself these six questions:
1. Who needs to be included in the decision and who is impacted?
Are there people whose thoughts, concerns and opinions need to be considered? Will this decision impact your boss, peers or direct reports or even your family?
If the answer to these questions is “Yes”, take the time to have these critical and consultative conversations. It’s worth it…you’re worth it…they’re worth it.
2. How much time do you have to make the decision?
This is important to know… Do you have a couple minutes, hours, days, months or a year?
If it’s just a couple of minutes, you’ll be drawing on past experience and present circumstance. Instincts will more than likely be taking over. If it’s longer, take advantage of the time. Get some distance to ensure you’re not making a decision out of short-term emotions while resisting the temptation to procrastinate Don’t waste the time by avoiding the process. Lean into the tough decision sooner than later.
3. What’s the ethical and wise choice?
Often times, we have to make a decision because something has gone wrong. A mistake was made, an accident occurred and a customer is upset or an employee is hurt. It could be tempting to ignore, hide or minimize it. The integrity approach is to decide on doing the next right thing. This may be a time to ask for advice from a wise person or you might find the solution by rereading the company mission statement.
4. How does the decision align with values?
Most organizations communicate their values to their employees and stakeholders. Use these stated values to guide your decision-making process. When you have a personal decision, consider your personal values and how you want to honor those. If you’ve not determined your personal set of 4-6 values, it’s important to do this. Knowing you’re making decisions that align with your personal values increases your sense of confidence and reduces the sense of regret.
5. Is there some uneasiness going on inside of you?
Admit it if there is even the slightest tension. Don’t ignore it! Think about where in your body you feel the uneasiness…is it in your chest, your stomach or gut? What’s your best guess on why you are feeling this way? There is a reason. Maybe you just need to do more analysis, talk to a wise person or gather ideas from your team.
6. What do you want to be known for?
The choices you make define you. Like making turns when driving, our choices determine where we end up…not just us alone, but our organization, teams and family. Many decisions are not easy. When we think about what we want to be known for, making the healthiest, integrity decision at the time will determine how you define yourself and let’s face it…how other’s think of you.
Decision-making is one of the most important things we can model as leaders. Remember, the way you handle tough decisions will influence others at home, at work and in the community. If these questions helped you to navigate a tough situation, let me know. If you’re still stuck, you might want to consider joining a TLP program and talk these issues over with a team of supportive peers and mentors.
Heidi Sadecky is a highly-trained executive coach with over 30 years of combined corporate and coaching experience. She helps her clients operate at a higher level, overcome workplace challenges and achieve measurable results.
She is an in-demand facilitator of the only Townsend Leadership Program, a unique and highly effective group coaching program located in the North East United States.
In-person, virtual and hybrid leadership groups are now forming.