Every Decision Has a Clock

Experienced leaders and decision-makers know that the timing of a decision can be as critical as the choice itself. All major decisions come with a hidden clock. 

It is up to the decision-maker to determine the ideal moment to make and execute the decision or face the unfavorable consequences associated with poor timing. 

Those repercussions can be severe. 

Every decision has an ideal window of time from which the advantages of the choice can be fully realized. Ideally, a decision is made at just the right time to fully address a problem or pursue an opportunity. 

Great decision timing takes full advantage of changes in the marketplace, organizational assets, key relationships, and strategic positioning. Knowing when a decision should be made is an instinct and skill good leaders develop over time. 

But there are a few principles that can fast-track this learning, even if they are not prescriptive.  

When it comes to addressing major issues, the best leaders don’t make a decision until they have to. They prize the optionality inherent in studying a problem and not acting on it until it is necessary. 

The benefits of deliberately deferring the timing of the decision include acquiring more data and information, engaging important stakeholders more fully, and gaining more understanding of changes in the marketplace. 

Not surprisingly, the number one reason leaders make a poor decision is something they didn’t know. Giving the team a chance to learn as much as they can before pulling the trigger is always a good idea. 

This does not mean good decision-makers are indecisive. To the contrary. When they believe it is time to act, they do so vigorously. But they lean toward keeping their options open as much as they can. 

The adage that “problems don’t age well” still applies. The best leaders know that the moment the windows of opportunity and initiative begin to close, they must act. Moreover, when team members or others are hesitant or paralyzed to perform without the decision, then leaders know it is time to decide. 

The push and pull of keeping options open while not losing the opportunity to seize the moment is inherent in all good decision-making. Timing matters. A lot. Making a decision at the ideal time gives the choice the best prospect of creating a positive impact. 

Too soon or too late? That’s the question that worries great decision-makers every day.