Leadership has many responsibilities and many of these involve pain and frustration.  Not necessarily the type of pain that requires medical attention, but the type of pain that comes with growth.

A good friend of mine recently had knee replacement surgery.  Over the last few years, I have seen his ability to move around, without pain, deteriorate significantly. I think that sometimes leadership is like that.  When we face a challenge as a leader, sometimes the right decision will be painful.  If we don’t address it properly, our ability to lead in a productive manner will deteriorate and our influence will be compromised.

Many times we need to tell a co-worker or subordinate something that we know needs to be said, but at the same time realize that it will be hard for them to hear. Sometimes our decisions as leaders will impact relationships that we have.

So what do we do when faced with these difficult decisions?  Here are six things that need to be considered when faced with making a difficult decision.

1.  Accountability

As leaders, we are accountable to everyone.  Not always by position, but because we are expected to do the right thing.  Being accountable in making tough decisions, means that we will own that decision and stand behind it.  If you haven’t bought into the decision, how can you expect others to.

2.  Adversity

Adversity is part of many difficult decisions.  It may already exist, thus the need to make the decision or it may be that you recognize the decision will result in some adverse conditions.  As a leader, it is important to create a culture that will excel in the face of adversity and move forward productively as a team.

3.  Attitude

Difficult decisions will result in difficult circumstances.  Leading with a positive attitude is the best way to keep those around you in the same mind set.  Remember, leadership is influence and if your attitude is bad, don’t expect any different behavior from those around you.

4.  Authority

All leaders have some amount of authority.  Sometimes we use our authority to make the decision that works the best for us.  Authority is a powerful tool we use as leaders but it can also be a weapon of mass destruction.  When making a difficult decision, it is crucial that your authority is used to make the right decision at the right time in the right way.

5.  Awareness

This may be the most important consideration of all.  Our awareness needs to stretch to all levels of the issue.  We need to look at both sides of the decision and evaluate how that decision will impact everyone involved.  I would suggest getting the opinions of others if the situation allows.  Even our best leaders don’t see the entire picture from their perspective and additional insight from your inner circle is almost always beneficial.

6.  Assessment

Finally, after all the information has been gathered, it’s time to assess the best move.  This is the final step before making the decision, but unfortunately the step that often get’s looked over.  My suggestion is to go through the exercise of writing down all the options and one-by-one, look at the pros and cons of each.  This will not only provide clarity but may add some additional insight that you would not have previously experienced.

Sometimes decision that we have to make will be painful.  There is no way around it. The best way to succeed in making the right decision is to evaluate it properly.

My friend had to make the decision to go through the pain of the surgical procedure and the ensuing rehabilitation process, but the decision was the right one and the pain will eventually be replaced with the freedom to function pain free.

The next time you are faced with a difficult decision, view it like it is the most important decision you will ever make.  Understand the pain that it might cause but make it based on the right reasons.

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Barry Smith   www.buildingwhatmatters.com   9/28/12            photo by author