I have three friends, whom I consider the best decision makers I know. Terry is a professional speaker with a million-dollar business. Jeff used to be an auto dealer and now coaches corporate leaders. Andre, a veteran restaurant manager, now places restaurant and catering mangers along with his team of six. I’ve known all of them for years. Having interviewed thousands of corporate leaders, I have found it almost impossible to get most to delineate their decision-making methodology. You have to watch them and listen to how they work through challenges. That’s what I’ve done with my three friends.
But let me draw a distinction here. It is rarely a helpful to compare yourself to others in terms of outcomes. After all, we all have the same opportunities to succeed and the same number of hours in the day. (I would welcome anyone who wants to debate this.) But it’s a great idea to examine others’ methodologies and compare them to yours.
These three individuals possess lots of positive attributes, but I want to identify five in this post that enable them to navigate through life and achieve their goals. As I do, consider how their approach compares to yours.
They set and execute clear goals. Goal setting is fun. It’s aspirational. It’s something most of us do periodically. The key is in the execution. I am not privy to my friends’ goals unless they share them. But I do know what they accomplish because of the results I see them achieve. I also know that once they have set a series of goals, they are extraordinarily careful about adding other goals during the period. It is rare that another opportunity is so urgent that they will allow it to dilute their efforts. How many times have you allowed a bright shiny object to confuse your efforts?
They are excellent at compartmentalizing their time. Since two of the three live in different parts of the country and they don’t know each other. I generally spend one-on-one time with each. While we enjoy each others’ company, it is always within a defined time, generally 30 minutes on the phone or 60 minutes in person. Then, without even looking at a clock, we both know it’s time to on to another activity. They treat all planned endeavors this way. This allows for more balance and fun and enables them to accomplish what’s been planned for the day. How disciplined are you when it comes to conversations, projects and meetings? Want some ideas, read my book Overcoming Overwhelm.
They are strategic when approaching goals and challenges. While they can be impulsive when it comes to fun and relaxation, they are always thinking three steps ahead. They prepare for what could happen, especially in professional relationships. They recognize that decisions have outcomes and those outcomes are rarely exactly what they expect. As a result, they are prepared to flex with the circumstances. They are also prepared, however, to abandon an effort that is not going well or turning into a waste of time, even if they have invested considerable time and effort, they remain objective. How about you?
They ask, without fear of appearing ignorant. When was the last time, you didn’t ask a question, even as a customer, for fear of looking stupid? As much as I am an introvert, I have learned from them that asking anyone anything is perfectly okay. It saves time and sometimes provides perspective and ideas I would have never thought of myself. All three also ask more questions than they provide answers. When I seek their input, they will most likely respond with a series of questions to ensure they’ve got a clear picture. I find many times these questions prompt me to come up with the needed solution without them providing an answer. I emulate this behavior when they seek my input. How would asking more questions impact your decision-making?
They are always happy to help, within reason. All three are disciplined with their time, but willing to share as long as they understand what’s involved and the other person is well prepared. They are generous if they think their time is being well used, but will disengage immediately if it is not. This has spurred me to be prepared when interacting with them. It is a sign of respect. When they approach me, they are always well prepared and respectful of my time as well. How do you treat those from whom you seek ideas and wisdom? Your effort will ensure a lasting relationship and personal investment on the part of others.
Who are the best decision-makers you know? Who are the best decision makers you would like to know? How can you better emulate the decision-making attributes of the first group? How can you develop relationships with the second group? Next week, I will outline the steps I, and my friends, take to do so. Stay tuned.