How to Develop Resilient Decision-Making

In the first of this latest series of blogs addressing various aspects of resilience, I talked about the meaning of resilient decision-making.

As a quick recap, resilient decision-making addresses what can be done about problems, within stakeholders’ control, to deal with uncertainties.

In resilient decision making, stakeholders can rely on cross-shared learnings, strengthening systems so that instead of working in a reactionary way on relief and rebuilding, they can plan ahead to solve and address problems before they happen.

Resilient leaders become more agile and adaptable and build confidence in their decision making.

Now, I want to discuss how business leaders can develop resilient decision-making.

Here’s my checklist as a guide:

What do you want to achieve?

It’s essential you clearly know what you want to achieve and why - aligning your actions with your values and vision and evaluating your options and outcomes. One of the specific dimensions of being resilient is having a Purpose, how clearly defined is your personal, Leadership, team and Organisational Purpose? They should be interconnected.

With a clear goal you’ll have a proper sense of direction and purpose, which can boost your motivation and confidence.

SMART Goals will enable you to achieve your Purpose

Consider the ‘here and now’

Gather relevant information, analyse data, identify risks and opportunities, and consider different perspectives and scenarios.

This will help you reduce uncertainty and bias and make more informed and rational choices.

Go, Go, Go…….!

Having evaluated all your your options, you need to commit to your decision and act on it - communicate your decision clearly and convincingly to others, delegate tasks and responsibilities, and monitor and adjust your actions as appropriate.

Always be prepared to face challenges, obstacles, and feedback, and to respond flexibly and creatively.

How do you pause, reflect and spring forward with learning? Photo Kinga Howard Unsplash

Take stock

It’s essential you step back and take stock - reflecting on your results and learning from your experience.

Evaluate your outcomes against your goals - identifying what worked well and what didn’t and seeking feedback from others.

This will ensure you improve your skills, knowledge, and attitude, and develop a growth mindset that embraces challenges and failures as opportunities to grow.

Remember – I always define Resilience as “Springing Forward with Learning”!

Strength in numbers

Create a strong support network of people who can help you on your journey.

You should include mentors, coaches, peers, friends, and family who can offer you advice, guidance, encouragement, and feedback. You’ll also learn from their experiences, perspectives, and insights, and share your own with them.

Developing a strong support network will foster trust, collaboration, and mutual learning, and reduce isolation and stress.

Practice makes permanent (not perfect!)

Practice your decision-making process regularly. Ensure you know what you want to be permanent within your decision-making approach. Once again, take stock of what is working well and what isn’t and keep honing it.

This will enhance your decision-making skills, build your confidence and competence, and develop a habit of Resilience.

Look out for the next two blogs in this series - “What’s the importance of resilient decision-making,” and “What are the benefits of resilient decision-making?”

If you need further information about this approach, or any other resilience topic, please contact russell@theresiliencecoach.co.uk.