Things No One Teaches: Decisions, Decisions, Decisions…

In the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship, decision-making is like a constantly evolving dance.  When our businesses grow, and with the increasing reliance of our team on us as leaders, the complexity of decisions multiplies and the stakes soar.  While it isn’t totally accurate to say that decision-making isn’t taught, the nature of our decisions changes as our ventures expand, encompassing more stakeholders and interlocking components.

Charting the Course

In Episode 4 of my podcast, Figure 8, I had the pleasure of an engaging conversation with Kristy Miller, the visionary mind behind The Scented Market. Together, we delved into decision making.  Kristy aptly described its inception – a swift, instinctual response – or a gut feeling.  In the whirlwind of launching and scaling a business, there’s little room for hesitation.  Decisions must be made quickly to keep moving forward.

Suddenly, though the realization comes that decisions aren’t moving along as quickly as they need to.  The team is looking, waiting, begging for the news of what is happening.  Their jobs depend on knowing the direction and where to prioritize their day.  This only serves to amplify the weight of each choice we make.

I vividly recall the gnawing sensation in the depths of my stomach.  That feeling of unease intertwined with uncertainty as the pressure to chart the course intensified.

Data driven decisions

Making the transition to data driven decision-making can be difficult for some entrepreneurs. It can feel slower, sluggish.  Reality is though that the risks of decisions do get bigger and incorporating data becomes a necessity for success, and integrating the use of data becomes imperative for sustainable success.

Though decisions feel harder, there are ways to be optimistic about our decision-making processes.  There are decisions of different sizes and different techniques can be used, depending on size and impact. This is explained more fully in Chapter 8 of my book, “Big Gorgeous Goals”.  The choices might feel scary, but there are ways to improve what you do.

Practice makes Perfect

If I can leave you with one thought:  it is important to remember that putting off a decision, or not making it at all – it’s also a decision.  Your team is waiting.  Finding the way forward is critical for your business success. 

In essence, decision-making is an intricate process, one that needs to evolve as our role grows and our business needs change.  Think of it as a practice, where learning, frameworks and timelines can help us to keep moving forward.  As entrepreneurs we need to embrace the ever-evolving landscape that we find in front of us, while we learn to navigate its twists and turns.  Effective decision-making helps us on this journey.