We know that the foundation of leadership is based on a leader's ability to make decisions. The decisions directly impact the team's ability to handle tasks in the workplace. Sounds fairly straightforward when we put it that way right? Remember straightforward and easy are two very different things. Decision-making can be rewarding when delegating tasks to hardworking employees and seeing them succeed.

However, the real measure of an effective leader is seen in their ability to make tough decisions. When faced with pressure, does a leader detach and overcome the obstacle? Or do they become too emotionally involved and get in the way of the team? Making tough decisions will test people in different ways, especially when these decisions affect the people working in the teams. Whether it’s budget issues, having to fire someone, or weighing options best suited for the team, a leader must find the best option possible.

These decisions are unfortunately the most common ones leaders will have to deal with. What makes them hard beyond morale is that sometimes the answer is not clear. It all comes back to uncertainty, which is often the trigger for acting on impulse. This is not to say that a leader can know the outcome of a given situation, sometimes the best choices even lead to failure. 

What we want to learn here is not how to avoid failure but how a leader can operate under pressure to guide the team. Let's look at what we know:

Recognize Impulse Decisions

When a situation comes up, a leader will typically calculate an answer instantaneously. The issue here is that the answer could stem from ego, mistrust, or even bias. Once that answer bubbles up, a leader must question why. What purpose does this decision serve? Who will be affected? Will this have a ripple effect on other tasks? Even taking a potential solution to the responsible team members in the context will help to understand complications. 

Be Open to Employee Input

Hard decisions which involve the operation of a task should always be taken to employees to gain their insight. Not only will their opinions factor into their ability to do the job but it will also allow the leader to recognize where they may over engage or under engage. Remember to recognize feedback as helpful suggestions and not as employees undermining the original idea. In return, the attitudes of team members going forward will be positive as they feel they’ve been heard.

The leader can feel relief knowing that the solution was constructed on the criteria that were in the best interest of the team.

Explain the Tough Decisions

In an organization, issues will arise that are out of the leaders' control, this is where the leader simply becomes a messenger. We can recognize this in budget cuts which often translate to downsizing and letting go of employees. When there’s a case like this, it is important to be direct, don’t hide the facts. Leaders must address the hard situations with the emotional intelligence and professionalism that earned their position. 

Allow Teams Leeway 

This concept is important because it must not be taken too seriously or too lightly. When difficulties arise, it is often because a leader becomes too involved. The command is too centralized and does not allow employees to make decisions on their own. This can translate to wasted time due to waiting on approval and constantly having to run things by the leader. The opposite is also true, if a leader is too laid back then the team will not know what to do.

Finding the balance is done by understanding your team, knowing when to trust and when to guide. As a leader, the right balance must be found that best fits the circumstance.

Conclusion

Organizations will always face issues, the most important thing that can be done in a team setting is preparing to face them. An organization's ability to succeed is often based on how they handle obstacles and bounce back from failure. Each difficulty is a learning opportunity, teams will improve when put under pressure. What’s most important is that every member has the necessary support and leadership to accomplish their goals. 

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