Elements of Personal Effectiveness Series: #1 Decide

“Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”

(Peter Drucker)

Decide

Be clear, specific and positive

To decide means to make deliberate, purposeful choices that move an organization towards its goals. It's the art of transforming uncertainty into actionable direction, a critical skill that distinguishes effective leaders from mere managers

 Effective decision-making involves clearly defining the outcomes to be achieved, specifying concrete steps or parameters for any actions, and framing different choices in terms of different opportunities (as opposed to limitations). By focusing on what is to achieve rather than what is to avoid, it creates a positive framework that energizes the team and clarifies the path forward.

Decisions with clarity, specificity, and positivity provide an organization with a compass that guides both long-term strategic planning and day-to-day operations. Clear decisions eliminate ambiguity and reduce decision fatigue at all levels of the hierarchy. Specific decisions enable precise execution of processes and meaningful measurement of outcomes. Positive decisions promote an environment of growth and possibility, and encourage innovation and proactive problem-solving.

Deciding effectively also builds confidence within teams, as they understand the direction clearly and align their efforts accordingly. This alignment, born from clear, specific, and positive decisions, becomes a powerful driver of organizational success and cultural cohesion.