Decision Making - Art of War

"The Quality of decision is like the well timed swoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy it's victim." - Sun Tze.

Thoughts:

Caught this whilst running through the apps on my iPhone. A very real statement and at times, i am also guilty of not taking quick decisions.

Leading a team, organization or even in army. It takes a lot of guts to make decisions. Even more difficult when you are not given sufficient time. However, reading this, one should not interpret it as a hasty decision, rather, but at the speed of which the decision is made once you are able.

Explain:

- Out of three, you may know that taking option 2 is the way out, but decides not to, or perhaps wait until you are comfortable, or just plain undecided. However, Sun-Tze states, it's the speed by which you make the decision that enables you to have the 'catch'.

Ladies would know, it is the speed of decisions that make them winners at sales..., however. think. is it a well timed decision, or a hasty one. :)

Knowing of a decision to make and yet not making it or delaying has several effects. Some of which i personally bear witness to.

- Lost of opportunity.

- Dissentment and unrest amongst those you lead/supervise.

It is a very thin line that one has to thread. A vague difference between hasty decision, versus a well timed decision in most cases..

Using it right

It is never possible to have all risk mitigated and all factors considered in a business world. If it can be, then you have a sure winner. Not many would have that luxury.

In fact, without risk, there probably won't be a profit.

As a Lead, it is important to know that your team members would know of possible decision that can be made during a project. Be clear and explain your delay in decision making to ensure they know it has been considered.

But first, why wont' a decision be taken ? Hesitation ? Nerves? or real life issues ? If there are real life issues, then don't make a decision. Mitigate your risks and consider alternatives. Move, Move, Move... Do-not just 'stand-and-wait' .. for that irritates the team that you lead.

Imagine yourselves in the heat of modern warfare, leading your team of men. What happens if you just freeze in your tracks, hesitant in your decision? Your men may be shot or worse. It does not bring confidence in your men, it destroys.

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