Leaders, You’re Getting in the Way: Overcoming Avoidance and Indecision
As leaders, we often pride ourselves on our ability to make tough decisions and drive our organisations forward. But the truth is, many of us struggle with avoidance and indecision, consciously or unconsciously holding ourselves and our teams back.
The Cost of Avoidance and Indecision
When we avoid making decisions or put off tough choices, we may think we’re buying time or avoiding conflict. But in reality, we’re making a decision by default – a decision to stagnate, to maintain the status quo, and to limit our potential and the potential of those around us.
Indecision and avoidance can lead to:
- Attrition and talent drain: When leaders fail to make decisions or provide clear direction, top performers become frustrated and disengage.
- Stagnation and mediocrity: Without clear direction and decision-making, organisations stagnate, and innovation and progress suffer.
- Lack of trust and confidence: When leaders avoid making decisions, they erode trust and confidence with their teams and stakeholders.
Breaking Through the Barriers
So, how can leaders overcome avoidance and indecision? Here are a few strategies to help you get out of your own way:
- Self-reflection: Recognise your patterns of avoidance and indecision. Identify the underlying fears, doubts, and biases that hold you back.
- Seek diverse perspectives: Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and encourage you to take action. Look outside the business.
- Embrace a growth mindset: View challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.
- Develop a decision-making framework: Establish a clear process for making decisions and stick to it.
- Take calculated risks: Don’t let fear of failure hold you back – take informed, calculated risks to drive progress.
Unlocking Potential
When leaders overcome avoidance and indecision, they not only unlock their own potential but also enable those around them to realise theirs. By making tough decisions and providing clear direction, leaders can:
- Empower their teams to take ownership and drive results
- Create a culture of innovation and progress
- Build trust and confidence with stakeholders
- Attract and retain top talent
Recognise the patterns of avoidance and indecision that hold you back, and take action to overcome them. By doing so, you’ll unlock your own potential and enable those around you to shine. Remember, the decisions you make or avoid making have a ripple effect on your organisation and the people you lead.
What will you decide?
By James Orr