I keep a spiral in my desk where I write down little notes to help me remember all of my lil’leadership lessons as the days are flying by. This one is a doozie, and I am going to keep it short and sweet.
I have had several situations where my darn activator character strength kicks in and situations are handled quickly. Which is both a pro and a con!
(Sidenote: Have you taken the Gallup Strengths Finder? I am a BIG fan…my number one strength is activator. Defined as: “When can we start?” This is a recurring question in your life. You are impatient for action. You may concede that analysis has its uses or that debate and discussion can occasionally yield some valuable insights, but deep down you know that only action is real. Only action can make things happen. Only action leads to performance. Once a decision is made, you cannot not act.)
Learn from me, people. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking some time to think about a decision before making it. Even if I am 100% confident that in 24 hours I will handle it the exact same way, walking away and allowing myself to reflect, contemplate other points of view, talking to other seasoned peers, calming down…all allows me time to be pensive, thoughtful, and intentional with my decisions.
We had the opportunity to hear Mike Moses speak at a leadership meeting a couple weeks ago, and one of the things that stood out was that he said he wanted to be surrounded by patiently decisive people. Think about what that means. It’s someone who takes their time making a decision, but when they have the information they need to make to answer, they do. And they don’t waver. It is an informed, un-rushed, final decision.
(I have GREAT notes from him, I hope to get to write about SOON!)
A work in progress,
Amber
I like leaders who aren’t in competition with anyone else. Take your time, consult your relevant stakeholders, dialogue, and then make your decision. Great piece! I wish I had blogged through my first couple years as an AP.