Five Tips For Being Decisive
When you take a close look at the people we commonly referred to as ‘charismatic,‘ you’ll begin to see they share a number of similar qualities and characteristics. One of the most prominent of these is decisiveness.
Imagine, for example, you’re with a group of people trying to decide where to go to dinner – and the conversation has gone on way too long. It’s the more charismatic person who will ultimately conclude the discussion with something like “okay – Italian it is!”
It’s no accident that these are the people we turn to when whenever a decision needs to be made. The skill of being decisive creates respect and trust, and one of the core qualities that employers look for when hiring or promoting. It is also key component of being perceived as competent – which tells customers and colleagues that they can trust you.
Being decisive isn't easy
Being decisive isn’t easy. By definition, ‘to decide’ means to ‘cut off’ other alternatives. It’s a bit scary to abandon other potential courses of action that might have turned out to be better or more fruitful. What if I make a bad decision? What if other people think I’m stupid? What if a better idea comes along tomorrow? These are the kinds of thoughts we all can relate to – the thoughts that cause indecision.
Here are a few tips to becoming a more decisive person:
- Accept that you will make poor decisions. You’re human – move on!
- Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Chances are the consequences aren’t life-changing
- Ask yourself, “What is the cost of not making a decision?” Indecision has its own consequences
- Be confident in your ability to adjust if your decision doesn’t work out
- Have a ‘Plan B’ already thought through, just in case things don’t work out
Believe in yourself
Finally, have a little faith in your own intuition and judgment. Assuming you’ve done your due diligence, carefully weighed other’s opinions, and are motivated by the right reasons, chances are you won’t go too far wrong.
