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Last week, I brought attention to the speed at which a new Pope was named. It took less than 36 hours to name the new Pope, which is not the fastest but certainly up there in the top 5.

I also shared James Clear's framework for categorizing decisions. Be sure to check out last week's email if you missed it. Here's the link​

How do you go from the idea of making faster decisions to actually doing it in real leadership situations? Let's review a few practical tips on how to make that happen.

Know your values

I can't stress this enough. Yes, this continues my thoughts from 2 weeks ago and I won't apologize for always beating this drum. You have to know your values in order to make quick decisions.

A set of personal values or a list of company values are not just for putting on your wall and forgetting about. Your values should drive the decisions you make, just as in my inefficient Friday a few weeks ago (here's the story if you missed it).

Preserve your decision-making energy

I'm sure you've read or know about Steve Jobs wardrobe selection. He only wore black turtlenecks and jeans because it simplified his life and keep his mind clear to make big decisions. You don't have to go so far as to have only two things in your closet. But what can you eliminate to reduce your options for routine decisions?

Put Parameters in Place for Bigger Decisions

My wife and I experienced the opposite of this when building our home. We didn't hire a builder, so our options were almost endless. A builder will give you a set of a few floor plans they build - we had the internet and our minds to create every possible layout and design. We spent over a year looking at floor plans and discussing before we finally chose one. We got quicker when we started putting parameters on the decision, like a side-entry garage, 3 bedroom, large back patio, etc. This began to narrow our options and make it easier.

Parameters, especially in business, can be formal. This is where policy and procedures come into play. Some people see policy as restrictive and cumbersome but they can play a vital role in keeping decisions and actions within the parameters you set. Other times these parameters can be informal.

The selection of the Pope highlights both formal and informal parameters. Formally, by the Canon Law, any baptized Catholic male can be made the Pope. But informally, at least for the last 600 years, the Pope is selected from the College of Cardinals. Narrowing your field of options helps speed the decision process.

Set a Deadline

This may seem strange to think about because most deadlines are set by someone else. But you can set your own deadlines, and you should. Even arbitrary deadlines can be hugely effective in making faster decisions.

Setting a deadline will force you begin thinking about options and put pressure on you to finish. And - if you're setting the deadline, then it can be a "had decision" and changed later if you really do need more time.

Use a friend, or a Professional

Discussing with someone else can help you move forward with make a decision. Just don't get too many people involved. We all know the trouble when you have 7 people trying to choose a restaurant and can never pick something to please everyone.

Using a trusted friend, colleague, or spouse to talk through a decision and how it fits your values and parameters can be hugely helpful to the speed of your decision-making.

As a professional coach, I often serve in this role for leaders. Asking good questions and generating awareness for clients is the foundation of what a good coach will do. My mission is to help leaders have clarity and confidence. My clients will often work through big decisions in a single 45-minute session because he or she can process and navigate the landscape quickly and thoroughly.

I hope these tips help you make faster and better decisions. Your progress, leadership, and results will improve.

Thanks for reading,

Phil

405 Leadership Advisors LLC

We help leaders define strategy and implement with ​confidence and clarity.