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A Key Question: Why Are You Making This Decision?

There are those managers who just love to make decisions. It provides confirmation of their purpose in the organization, and it often gives them a sense of power and authority. It is personally and professionally rewarding to them to be able to make decisions.

Yet, it is always important to remember that the ability and authority to make decisions are not a right, but a responsibility. It is an important role and function of management, and should not be taken lightly, or undertaken for personal reasons or ends.

Just as importantly, it is critical to ensure that you are the correct person to make the decision. Ask the following questions before undertaking the decision-making task:

Is this my decision because I am responsible for the outcome?

Is this my decision because I am responsible for the people involved?

Is there someone else who might be more qualified to make the decision?

Is this a decision my boss should make?

Finally, ask yourself if you have a personal stake in the outcome. If you do, while it may still be your decision to make, you should identify your position and try to set it aside so you can make a rational and objective decision—not one influenced by your own motivations.