Enhancing Leadership Skills through Strategic Decision-Making
Define the five leadership practices: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, Encourage the Heart
Module Six Journal. 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.
Enhancing Leadership Skills through Strategic 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 resonated with me is the importance of resilience and strategic thinking in decision-making, especially when faced with challenging and unfavorable options.
This article struck a chord with me personally as I recalled a situation from my previous role where I encountered a dilemma regarding a critical project deadline. Despite all available options appearing less than ideal, I realized the significance of remaining composed, assessing risks meticulously, and ultimately making a decision that aligned with the long-term objectives of the project.
Applying the insights gained from the article to my professional and personal life can significantly enhance my leadership skills through the five practices:
1. Model the Way: By exemplifying resilience and strategic decision-making in difficult circumstances, I can set a positive example for others to follow and showcase the importance of staying focused on goals despite challenges.
2. Inspire a Shared Vision: Communicating the rationale behind tough decisions and engaging team members in the decision-making process can foster a shared vision of overcoming obstacles together and working towards common objectives.
3. Challenge the Process: Encouraging a culture of critical thinking, adaptability, and open dialogue within my team can lead to questioning existing processes, fostering innovation, and finding creative solutions even in the face of tough decisions.
4. Enable Others to Act: Providing support, resources, and guidance to team members during challenging decision-making moments can empower them to take action confidently and contribute effectively towards achieving shared goals.
5. Encourage the Heart: Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of team members during difficult times can boost morale, build trust, and create a positive work environment that promotes resilience and dedication.
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 am committed to enhancing my decision-making skills and becoming a more effective leader both in professional and personal settings. Through a combination of strategic thinking, effective communication, and a focus on long-term objectives, I am confident in my ability to navigate challenging situations and lead with resilience and determination.