Decision-Making

[Coaching Lesson #3 from our Serving Leadership Development Program—Achieving Organizational Effectiveness, Phase 4]

Decision-making is one of the core competencies of a leader. The ability to make decisions often differentiates poor leaders from great leaders. Decisions reveal the values of a leader and require obedience and dependence on God. They demand wisdom. Making decisions affects just about everything leaders do.

Where can a leader go to get help in this essential component of life and leadership? Ultimately, all wisdom comes from God, and using His wisdom to make good decisions is something God wants to help us learn to do.

Case Study: Nehemiah’s Challenge (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

In this opening chapter, Nehemiah was facing a huge challenge. The walls of Jerusalem were in disrepair and the people were very disheartened.

How did Nehemiah approach this situation? Here are five things that he did that we also should consider when we are faced with a difficult problem or situation: First, he carefully studied and analyzed the situation/problem (vs. 2-3). He then empathized with those that were hurting (vs. 4). Third, he humbled himself before God (vs. 4). Fourth, he prayed and confessed his nation’s sin (vs. 5-11). Finally, he asked God for help (vs. 8-11).

Nehemiah knew that all true wisdom comes from God. Before attempting to make a decision that might help solve his problem, he turned to God to ask Him for guidance and direction.

The Decision-Making Process

Here is a suggested process that leaders can use to help them make good decisions:

1. Identify the problem.
2. Gather information—both facts and assumptions.
3. Develop possible solutions.
4. Analyze and compare the alternative solutions.
5. Make a decision by selecting the solution that best solves the problem.
6. Develop a plan to implement the solution.
7. Implement and then assess the results and make adjustments as needed.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important for leaders to first go to God for guidance and direction before they make a decision (versus making a decision and later asking God to bless it)?
2. Why must a leader first gather information about the problem and make an assessment prior to making a decision on how to solve it?
3. Why should leaders address problems and make decisions in a timely manner and not ignore or delay in their attempt to solve them?