Humans don’t live in the present very well. We’re always looking forward, anticipating.

It’s usually a good thing, but there’s times we can get into trouble.

As a leader, part of your job is to make some tough decisions. Things which will sting for you and those around you.

We all know that if you avoid those tough ones, in the end you’re going to hurt even more. It’s kind of like getting your annual physical or doing your tax returns.

I’ve found that there’s a good approach to this:

  1. Realize that you are, indeed, presented with a tough decision. Because a little extra thought might be in order.
  2. Survey the landscape. What makes this tough? What are requirements, limitations, and deadlines?
  3. Think through the impact this will have for all involved. Sometimes this includes reactions that you find illogical – but they’re just as real.
  4. Look at the alternatives, pick the best one, and make the decision.
  5. Communicate it to everyone in a timely manner, as a decision that you made. Help people move on to the next step.

This is totally logical, right? But how often do we skip a step and then have to backtrack?

Which is even more painful than doing it right the first time.