Leadership:  Responsible Decision-Making

Evelyn Jacks

“The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.”  Max DePree, Chairman Emeritus of Herman Miller Inc. I love this quote because it sets out a challenge for leaders.  In an era of mistrust and “fake news” the responsibility of a leader is to demonstrate and define what is real and what is not, so that the organization, community or family can make sound decisions about the future.

So, what exactly does that entail?  To begin, acknowledge and understand your role as a leader. People look to you to help them make decisions and it is helpful to have a framework for decision-making.  What principles are you going to attach to that framework?  What information will you probe for, to support those principles?  

What? Why? When? Who?  How? How Much?  Execution must depend on a well thought out plan that definitively answers those six questions, as a next step.

But, is an action required?  Not making a decision, is a decision.  What are the consequences of that? 

In my experience, the trepidation that comes with decision-making is really not about “Plan A”.  What happens if Plan A doesn’t work?  Your Plan B needs to be in place, and it needs to be as well thought out.

As a final step, what experience and wisdom will you bring – or seek – to finalize the decision-making process? Tapping into the brain-trust around you will pay dividends, and more importantly, will enable those who know to confidently speak up with commentary to add to the decision-making framework.   

Together, the ultimate test can be taken.  Has reality been defined?  Have the principles, processes, wisdoms and experience brought to the decision-making process assisted the team to dispel fake news, build trust in the anticipated outcomes and confidently move forward with the decisions that need to be made in your organization?  The right answers often lie in the leadership development opportunities an organization puts into place. 

The same can be true of family decision-making as well.  Tax, bookkeeping and financial advisors can play an important role in facilitating leadership development opportunities within a family, as well, specifically as it relates to financial decision-making.

Knowledge Bureau teaches the Real Wealth Management framework for financial decision-making.  Learn more in the RWM™ Designation Program . Those with these existing credentials in good standing, are also invited to join the Society of Real Wealth Managers™: a network of specialists who enable financial peace of mind through professional collaboration.