Baker’s Dozen Decision Making Approaches
One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore. Andre Gide
Change leaders are people who see opportunities where others don’t. They have the courage to take great risks and the ability to make wise decisions.
Frequently they aren’t even aware of the decision making process they are using when determining a change initiative, but intuitively run change related decisions through multiple filters.
13 Decision Making Approaches When Considering Change
Developing the ability to make wise decisions is foundational to effectively leading change. The list below contains 13 common lens for viewing decisions. Use them to look at change related decisions from multiple angles and to discover your preferred decision making approaches.
1. Spiritual: What indications are there that the change is God’s will?
2. Alignment: Does the change line up with the mission and vision of the church?
3. Priorities: Does the change support the church’s objectives and goals?
4. Principles: Is the change consistent with the church’s values and doctrine?
5. Perspective: What do key advisors think about the change?
6. Staff: What do other staff or team members think about the change?
7. Intuitive: What is your gut saying?
8. Rational: What are the pros and cons?
9. Risk/Reward: What are the risks with this change? What are the potential pay-offs? Can you live with the worst case scenario?
10. Cost: What are the costs in dollars, time and resources? What are the costs if you don’t make the change?
11. Capacity: Is there sufficient time and motivation to see the change through?
12. Competency: Is there adequate knowledge, skills and habits to implement the change?
13. Relational: Who will be impacted most by this change? Who will benefit, who will be hurt?
Other Questions To Consider
- Which approaches make the most difference for you?
- What would a wise decision look like?
- What other information do you need to know to make a great decision?
- What will you stop doing to make room for this change?
- What other decision making approaches would you add to the list?
Posted on July 21, 2015
