Processes, data, wise counsel, and intelligence are all valuable to a decision maker. It doesn’t matter how smart the leader is, or how quick they are on their feet, because poor character outweighs all this! Leaders don’t make better decisions solely by being more inclusive and participative. You don’t improve decision outcomes as a leader by continually gathering more data. Leadership InsightĪ leader’s ticket into making sound decisions isn’t simply a more refined decision process. As a result, I’m also learning – even more slowly – not to constantly churn over the uncontrollable. ![]() I am learning – very slowly – to focus on the things I can control. How about situations that produce chronic stress because of repetitive conflict? I’ve found decision making in those situations to demand much more persistence on my part.Īdditionally, I find that maintaining a positive outlook to be an increasing challenge when the default answer is invariably “No.” My character must include the discretion to look for productive solutions.Ī wise character includes the discretion to recognize the validity of other points of view as we look for mutual solutions.Ī discerning character produces the discretion to be (mostly) diplomatic in my responses when looking for optimal solutions. I’ve learned that character is a helpful guide to making sound decisions. Now, is this a slower way to operate? You bet! My Guide to Sound Decisions Thus, it’s really important to find common ground. However, it doesn’t move me forward toward a productive outcome.Īs a dean, I work in an academic institution. Usually, I conclude the others are dimwitted! So, what’s the outcome when I’m convinced I’ve made a sound decision and others disagree. I must get the fundamentals right before I can change who I am. As expected, the first principle is a wise and discerning character. Next, a secondary mental model here is reasoning from first principles. Therefore, a leader cannot skip any of these steps to improve decision quality and decision timeliness. Second, building a wise character is the Process. Therefore, get a wise character to make sound decisions! The Mental Modelīasically, the mental model used in Ecclesiastes 8.5 is the old standby Input – Process – Output. Why? Because a wise character effectively combines factual knowledge and experiential insights to form sound decisions. Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the first verse of Ecclesiastes 8.1-5 makes this same point – the wise exhibit wisdom.Ĭlearly, this isn’t a shallow-minded play on words. Thus, wisdom is one mark of a wise character! In addition, wisdom, in the form of insight, produces sound decisions. Wisdom is essential, so get wisdom! Proverbs 4.7 paraphraseįor starters, a wise character makes sound decisions. Consequently, wisdom yields several benefits, including sound decisions. In addition, the speaker in Proverbs 8.20, who is portrayed as a female, is wisdom. ![]() ![]() See Proverbs 2.6 as explained in the following diagram. Similarly, good judgment is associated with wisdom.īy definition, wisdom is factual knowledge plus insight. The Hebrew word translated “procedure” or “judgment” indicates the ability to make sound decisions. Therefore, get a wise character to make sound decisions! Make Sound Decisions So, by developing a wise character I will:įirst. It reveals the conversation that takes place at the beginning of Solomon’s time as king. Also, they’re growing both personally and professionally.Īs such, God gave Solomon a “wise and discerning character” because he simply asked! See First Kings 3.9-12. Next, Proverbs 16.21 says a person with a wise character is discerning. Accordingly, they seek to grow their knowledge of the fundamentals. In fact, it’s a daily challenge – an insight at a time!įor starters, Proverbs 10.8 says a person with a wise character soaks up the precepts.
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