The gap between leaders who decide and those who delay
Story: Decision drag or decision velocity
How do you, as a leader, make a critical decision?
Maybe you decide as needed, without much angst. That’s known as decision velocity. Other times you feel paralyzed by competing factors and decision drag sets in.
I’ve noticed these traits in our two dogs.
Skylar, a flat-coated retriever, is quick on the draw. When it’s time to decide where to run or with whom to engage, he arrives at his decision immediately. He tends to ignore risks and goes for what he hopes is a reward.
Ragnar, a German shepherd mix, weighs his options. Does he want to move into the sun now? Is the food to his liking? What should he do with that tennis ball? Ragnar sometimes misses out on a reward because he delays his decision – and Skylar beats him to it.
Decision drag for leaders can quietly disrupt the progress they want with their teams. You might notice that you’re waiting for everyone to weigh in on a decision, or you’re not clear on who’s responsible. Both create a drag on execution.
Leaders who move with decision velocity are known for making final decisions with less hesitation. While you may witness more failures in execution, you treat these missteps as learnings to encourage your team to act rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
Interval: Making decisions
Once you notice where you are on the drag-to-velocity spectrum for a decision, this 10-minute sprint can offer you a way to decide more quickly.
- Define the decision.
- List three options.
- List three risks.
Defining the decision you want to make is a crucial first step. Then write down three options for how to move ahead. With those options at hand, list three risks you’re willing to accept. And then choose. This simple sprint can unstop the bottleneck that often stops you from taking action.
Reflection
What did I learn about my decision‑making when I took this 10-minute sprint?
