Everybody can make a bad decision sometimes, even if we have the best of intentions. The most common causes include a lack of time and information. And what other causes of bad decisions should you be aware of? American consultants Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman focused on this question when analyzing the outputs of 360-degree feedbacks from more than 50,000 leaders. They published the findings of the analysis on the Harvard Business Review website.
1. Being lazy
Laziness in this sense includes the inability to verify information and get more involved. Lazy leaders often make the wrong decision because they rely too much on their past experiences.
2. Being unprepared for unexpected events
Most people tend to avoid negative situations. However, negative things happen and we must be able to anticipate them. For each decision, you should consider what potential problems may arise.
3. Inability make a decision
Inability to make a decision is usually worse than the bad decision itself. You will never have all the information. Thus, look at the facts you have, consider the risks, and act.
4. Being stuck in the past
If you have been using the same data and procedures for a long time, try looking around. Your assumptions may no longer be correct.
5. Missing a strategy
Poor decisions also often arise from the inability to see problems in the light of a comprehensive strategy. Your solution must make sense not only to you, but also to your organization.
6. Lack of independence
If you are always waiting for your decision to be sanctified by someone else, you can wait forever. Effective decision-making requires independence.
7. Inability to build relationships
Many decisions require collaboration with people who have the necessary knowledge and experience. We often, however, do not get these people involved because we cannot or do not want to. Trying to get all the credit for a good decision can backfire.
8. Inability to explain decisions
Good decisions become bad when the people involved do not understand or know about them. The ability to communicate decisions and being able to explain them is as important as making good decisions.
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