Walking Away From “Waits” in Your Leadership Decisions
Leaders like having plenty of options when deciding on paths to take in business. Although options are beneficial when considering choices to make, slowing down the process of decision making can sabotage business success. Why? It creates confusion. It is far better for a leader to reach a “yes” or “no” decision than to fall into the trap of waiting. Waiting can cause business leaders to become indecisive. This indecisiveness is especially harmful if a leader wants to encourage team members to make decisions rather than let decisions only happen under their watch.
Jesus taught his disciples about the importance of change. One of the greatest paradoxes of the Bible is the God who does not change and who is the Alpha and Omega is also the God that encourages His followers to change and find new and better ways of living and staying close to Him.
One critical mistake many business leaders make is not changing or not changing fast enough. Leaders that fall into the habit of waiting to change themselves or their organization will often lead the organization ineffectively. In fact, waiting can often be the worst decision that is made in business.
Leaders must not wait too long to make their next business decision. Examine how “waits” hurt Well Done leaders.
- Waits can weigh down the organization with uncertainty and unclarity.
Leaders must provide clarity to the organization on priorities and values. Only when the leader knows where they are going and why they want to get there can they inspire people to follow their lead. When a leader falls into the habit of waiting on decisions or projects, it creates confusion among the team about top priorities. Leaders and CEOs should frequently communicate with team members the organization’s top priorities — be it profit, product development, or even customer service, and explain in as much detail as possible how those priorities impact every level of the organization.
2. Waits can weaken the leader’s impact.
It’s easier for a leader to say “wait” as opposed to “yes” or “no.” However, this only weakens the leader’s voice. Leaders must be crystal clear on the boundaries they are setting for their organization when they give a clear no and must be bold in their passion for answering yes.
3. Waits can deter productivity.
Waiting can cause a leader and team to worry about all the projects and tasks that are not getting done. Alternatively, it can cause a team to feel weighed down with other projects and activities that are not essential to business success. Revisit your decision to wait, either by rejecting and ignoring a task (“no”) or by acting upon and moving forward with a task (“yes.”) Establish clear boundaries around how many “yes” projects your team is working on at any given time. In the same way, establish a boundary around the number of “waits” that are on your “waitlist.” When your organization has reached its capacity, it’s time to move projects and tasks to the “no” column so that they do not slow down the progress of the “yes” tasks that your team is committed to completing.
4. Waits can work against momentum and the ability to move forward.
“Yes” is a momentum maker; “wait” is a momentum killer. When a person has an idea, and they bring it to you, the leader, the last thing they want to hear are phrases such as “Yes, but” “Not now,” or “Maybe later.” Give your employee a yes or a no rather than a “wait.” “Wait” kills the momentum and enthusiasm of a team that is working toward a solution. Communicate to your team that you always want to say yes to their ideas and solutions but that they must first develop a solution and approach.
This article is taken from the book Well Done, 12 Biblical Business Principles Leaders can use to Grow their business with Kingdom Impact. You can find more about the book at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1631950967
