Navigating Leadership: The Art of Decision-Making in Life's Journey
"Dhoni finishes off in style, a magnificent strike into the crowd. India lifts the World Cup after 28 years!" These were the golden words spoken by cricket commentator Ravi Shastri on the eve of April 2nd, 2011. This was a historic moment in Indian cricket, and one man is still praised today for the decision he made on that night. I'm talking about the greatest Indian cricket captain, MS Dhoni. He is always known as someone who was able to make decisions at the right time and in the right manner. Well, I'm not here to talk about MS, but I wanted to emphasize the idea of the decision-making ability of leaders. Someone rightly said, "Leaders are known for their decision-making ability." You make good decisions, you end up in the record books, and everybody talks about you. But nobody talks about a leader who is known for making bad decisions. That's true!
I have always believed that we all are leaders in our different walks of life. A title cannot just define leadership, but it's more about the responsibility that one carries on their shoulders. In this journey of life, we don different hats for leadership. You may be a mother, father, brother, sister, husband, or wife, or you might be a pastor leading a congregation, or you might have leadership responsibility at your workplace.
This week, I was encouraged to talk about this topic and wanted to leave you with a few points that will help you become a better leader. I wanted to talk about just two things on this topic.
The Art of Discernment:
We are often faced with complex and challenging situations that require careful consideration before reaching a decision. This is where the art of discernment comes into play. Discernment involves the ability to perceive and understand the key factors at play, weighing various options, and making choices that align with the greater vision and purpose.
In the Bible, we find numerous examples of leaders who demonstrated exceptional discernment in their decision-making. Joseph, in the Old Testament, interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and made strategic decisions that ultimately saved Egypt from famine (Genesis 41). Similarly, the apostle Paul relied on discernment when addressing the Corinthian church's issues and giving guidance for their spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 12).
Seeking Wise Counsel:
Another crucial component of effective decision-making in leadership is seeking wise counsel. Wise leaders understand the value of seeking input and advice from others who possess diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise. Proverbs 15:22 captures this concept, stating, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed."
In the biblical account of King Solomon, we see a leader who actively sought counsel. When faced with the monumental task of building the temple in Jerusalem, Solomon sought the wisdom of his father David's trusted advisors and consulted with skilled craftsmen (1 Chronicles 28:11-21). This example highlights the importance of gathering input from others before making important decisions, fostering a culture of collaboration and collective wisdom.
Conclusion
Finally, Leadership is a dynamic journey that demands continuous growth and development. The ability to make wise decisions lies at the core of effective leadership. The art of discernment, seeking wise counsel, and understanding the impact of decisions are essential components to nurture and refine decision-making abilities.
As leaders, let us embrace the responsibility of decision-making and approach it with humility, dedication, and a commitment to seeking God's guidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Through cultivating the art of decision-making, leaders can guide their organizations, communities, and themselves towards growth, success, and positive transformation. May our leadership be defined by intentional and wise decision-making that leaves a lasting impact on those we serve.
If you've found this discussion on decision-making in leadership insightful or if you've gained new perspectives, I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send me a note at Jo@jogonsalves.com. Your feedback and insights are always appreciated.
A few months ago, Apostle Priji and I had the opportunity to delve into the same topic during a podcast discussion. If you're interested, you can watch the video by clicking the link provided below.