Successful leadership is often defined by a leader’s ability to make sound decisions, handle crises effectively, and make tough calls when the situation arises. These skills are paramount for navigating complex and high-stake situations as we saw in the previous editions.
Although in our immediate Nigerian environment, the reverse is always the case most of the time, I will try to bring in experiences of some that I have had the privilege to meet and how it all played out. For the record, this is not an attempt to rubbish any Nigerian institution, the personnel serving there or the leaders at the helm of affairs of such but strictly for educative and illustration purposes.
Let us take the journey together to explore, but briefly, major techniques for each of these areas, along with their implementation processes while leaving you, my esteemed reader, to add your interpretation and thought as you deem fit:
TECHNIQUES AND IMPLEMENTATIONS FOR EFFECTIVE DECISION-MAKING
(A) Define the Problem Clearly from Get-Go
• Technique: You must start by clearly defining the problem or decision at hand, before any other thing. This involves understanding the underlying issues and the impact of the decision(s) you will take on all the stakeholders involved.
• Implementation: Under this, you must use techniques such as the root cause analysis to identify the real issues. Visibly state the problem in specific terms, which would help in framing the decision-making process to have better results.
(B) Gather, Analyse Relevant Data and Evaluate Alternatives
• Technique: The importance of collecting data that are relevant to the decision-making processes cannot be overstressed, whether or not you will add your leadership intuition along the way. This includes quantitative data (e.g., financial reports, market, customer research, etc) and qualitative data (e.g., stakeholder, teams, etc. feedback). Generate and evaluate a range of workable alternatives. This involves brainstorming potential solutions and assessing their feasibility and impact.
• Implementation: Ensure you use data analytics tools to process and analyse information. Look for trends, patterns, and insights that can inform your leadership decisions and/or journeys as well as other aspects of life. Ensure the data is up to date and reliable. Online spaces have made gathering data and checking analytics of anything easier. Use techniques like SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to evaluate each alternative. Consider the pros and cons, and potential risks associated with each option.
(C) Involve Key Stakeholders, Make and Communicate the Decision
• Technique: You must engage with stakeholders who will/may be affected by the decision. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and increase buy-in. After careful consideration, make the decision and communicate it clearly to all relevant parties involved alongside your team members. As a leader, never work in isolation. Always carry everyone along at all times. Ensure that the rationale behind the decisions made is understood by all parties. For instance, you should not be like typical Nigerian CEOs who would fire a candidate without giving him or her the cogent reasons for their actions. Such actions do not in any way convey professionalism.
• Implementation: Conduct interviews, surveys, or focus groups to gather input. Ensure communication is open and transparent, and consider teams’ or partners’ feedback in your decision-making process. Prepare a communication plan that outlines the key points of the decision and its rationale. Use various communication channels to communicate your rationale and reach different audiences.
(D.) Consider Long-Term Consequences, Review and Reflect
• Technique: After implementing the decision, it is expedient the outcome is reviewed and reflected in the decision-making processes. Assess the long-term implications of each decision. This includes evaluating how the decision aligns with long-term goals and strategic objectives.
• Implementation: Conduct a post-decision review to assess the effectiveness of the decisions you make. Identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in future decision-making. Use scenario planning to predict possible future outcomes and impacts. Consider both the immediate and future consequences of your decision. And, these are not just about leadership purposes, they cut across all strata of life.
TECHNIQUES FOR HANDLING CRISES AND ITS APPLICATIONS
(A) Stay Calm, Assess the Situation and Develop a Crisis Response Plan
• Technique: In a crisis, maintaining composure is essential. Quickly assess the situation to understand the scope and impact of the crisis. Create a structured response plan that outlines the steps to manage and mitigate the crisis. Don’t always be in a hurry to respond to issues. Meditate on your actions before embarking on them.
• Implementation: Use a crisis management framework to categorise the crisis (e.g. operational, financial, reputational). Gather key facts and determine the immediate threats. Issue out warnings where necessary. And thereafter, develop a crisis management team and assign roles and responsibilities. Outline procedures for communication, containment, and recovery. Regularly update and practise the plan you put up.
(B) Communicate Transparently and Frequently
• Technique: Effective communication is crucial during a crisis. To say the least, it is more than important that you provide clear, accurate, and timely information to stakeholders.
• Implementation: Establish a strong and notable communication protocol for internal and external stakeholders. Use various channels (e.g. press releases, social media, etc.) to keep everyone informed. Be honest about the situation and the steps being taken to quell them.
(C) Implement Immediate Actions, Evaluate and Adapt
• Technique: Take swift, decisive actions to address the immediate issues of whatever crisis you are faced. Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of your response and adapt as needed.
• Implementation: Focus on containment and damage control. Prioritise actions that will stabilise the situation and prevent further escalation. Monitor the situation and gather feedback. Adjust your response plan based on evolving circumstances and new information.
(D) Learn from the Crisis
• Technique: After any crisis is managed, conduct a thorough review to understand what went wrong and what worked eventually.
• Implementation: Use lessons learned to improve crisis management processes and response strategies. Document insights and make necessary changes to prevent similar issues in the future.
TECHNIQUES AND EXECUTIONS FOR MAKING TOUGH CALLS
(A) Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Impact
• Technique: As a leader, weighing the immediate effects of your decision against its long-term consequences will help you make the tough calls.
• Implementation: You must consider how the decision will affect the organisation in the short term and its strategic goals in the long term. It is advisable to use matrices to evaluate trade-offs.
(B) Use Ethical Guidelines
• Technique: You should ensure that your decisions align with ethical standards and organisational values. Unfortunately, this is not the case with most of our Nigerian leaders. They will rather let their emotions, ethnicity, religion, etc. take centrestage in their decisions.
• Implementation: Apply ethical contexts to evaluate the decisions you make as a leader. Consider the impact on stakeholders and ensure the decision upholds integrity and fairness.
(C.) Seek Diverse Perspectives
• Technique: Consult with diverse groups of advisors or colleagues to gain different viewpoints. Again, I will fault most Nigerian leaders I have come across so far in my working days. Even as a consultant, you’d agree with me that most of the clients you are involved with would rather make certain decisions without reaching out to you while hinging them under the so-called “it was the management decision,” or “this is what we think is best for us” while pushing those down to you navigate through and arrive at wow results.
• Implementation: You must create a decision-making team with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Encourage open discussions and consider all perspectives and stakeholders involved before making final decisions on major issues.
(D) Trust Your Experience and Intuition, Make a Clear and Decisive Choice
• Technique: Leverage your experience and instincts when making difficult decisions. After evaluating all options, make a decisive choice and commit to it no matter what.
• Implementation: Reflect on past experiences and apply your knowledge to the current situation. Trust your instincts, especially when data is inconclusive. Avoid procrastination and decide within a reasonable timeframe. Communicate your decision clearly and with confidence.
(E) Prepare for Implementation and Follow-Up
• Technique: You should equally plan for the implementation of your decision and monitor its outcomes.
• Implementation: Develop an action plan for implementing the decision. Track progress, address any issues that arise, and adjust as necessary.
Conclusion
As we have seen, effective decision-making, handling crises, and making tough calls are critical skills for successful leadership. By using structured approaches, maintaining calm under pressure, and balancing immediate and long-term impacts, leaders can navigate complex challenges and drive their organisations toward success.
Drawing on real-life experiences and applying these techniques can enhance a leader’s ability to make informed, ethical, and impactful decisions, ultimately contributing to the effectiveness and success of their organisations.
Until my next editions, stay safe and God bless you. Don’t hesitate to add your thoughts via the comment section. Kindly LIKE and SHARE this writing with your loved ones.
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