Developing Leadership Skills through Effective Decision-Making
Approach this journal assignment as though you are sharing these leadership concepts with a peer who has not read the article you will summarize. Connect the article you choose to the five leadership practices and plan your next steps to develop your own leadership skills.
Define the five leadership practices:
Model the Way
Inspire a Shared Vision
Challenge the Process
Enable Others to Act
Encourage the Heart
Select an article that focuses on:
One of the three leadership development areas that you identified in the Leadership Development Action Plan during Module One : Use Communication ( Leadership Area Identified )
How Do You Make a Decision When Every Option Looks Bad? - Knowledge at Wharton (upenn.edu) ( Website to Article for journal paper)
Prompt
Once you have finished reading the article, address the following:
Provide the title of the article you selected.
Respond to the following reflective questions:
Explain the key leadership concept that is your takeaway from the article.
Explain why this article resonated with you personally, using a story from your own experiences with this leadership concept.
Explain how you can apply what you have learned from the article to your professional and personal life in terms of the five practices.
Developing Leadership Skills through Effective Decision-Making
Article Title: How Do You Make a Decision When Every Option Looks Bad? - Knowledge at Wharton
In the article "How Do You Make a Decision When Every Option Looks Bad?" by Knowledge at Wharton, the key leadership concept that stood out is the importance of strategic decision-making in challenging situations. The article emphasizes the significance of analyzing all available options, even when they seem unfavorable, to make informed and strategic decisions.
This article resonated with me personally as I recall a situation in my previous role where I had to make a tough decision regarding a project deadline. Despite all options seeming unfavorable at the time, I realized the importance of staying calm, assessing the risks associated with each choice, and ultimately making a decision based on the long-term goals of the project.
Applying the insights from this article to my professional and personal life can greatly enhance my leadership skills through the five practices:
1. Model the Way: By demonstrating strategic decision-making and remaining composed in challenging situations, I can set an example for others to follow in times of uncertainty.
2. Inspire a Shared Vision: Communicating the rationale behind tough decisions and involving team members in the decision-making process can inspire a shared vision towards overcoming obstacles collectively.
3. Challenge the Process: Encouraging a culture of critical thinking and open discussion within my team can help challenge existing processes and lead to innovative solutions, even when faced with difficult choices.
4. Enable Others to Act: Providing support, resources, and guidance to team members during tough decision-making moments can empower them to take action and contribute effectively to the overall goal.
5. Encourage the Heart: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of team members during challenging times can boost morale and foster a positive work environment, leading to increased resilience and commitment.
In conclusion, by incorporating the learnings from the article "How Do You Make a Decision When Every Option Looks Bad?" into my leadership approach, I aim to further develop my decision-making skills and enhance my ability to lead effectively in both professional and personal settings. Through a combination of thoughtful analysis, effective communication, and a focus on long-term goals, I am confident in my journey towards becoming a more strategic and empathetic leader.