Insights

Decide. Alone.

November 03, 2023

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“When I hear ‘We have decided,’ I always question myself: Who actually made this decision?

Who does this ‘we’ refer to, and what mysterious process led to this conclusion?

Or is the term ‘we’ merely a deceptive tactic to obscure the true distribution of responsibility?

Let’s be clear: the legitimate use of ‘we’ in decision-making should be reserved exclusively for democratic elections or intimate personal partnerships. In the realm of elections, the power truly lies in the hands of the populace. Each individual has a voice, collectively determining the leadership of their nation. This is the essence of democracy in action. On the other hand, partnerships represent the union of two individuals navigating life’s decisions together, in harmony.

But what about within the confines of a corporation? Can there realistically be a ‘we’ in the decision-making process amid an established hierarchy and differentiated responsibilities? It’s a hard pill to swallow.

The closest approximation to a collective decision-making body within a corporation might be the board of directors, where, in theory, each member possesses an equal vote. However, let’s not kid ourselves — more often than not, this is merely a performance of equality.

I have witnessed on several occasions people telling me, ‘We have decided.’ Yet, when questioning who this ‘we’ is, silence ensues. The responsibility vanishes in an instant. Everything becomes blurred, and if the decision was a good one, everyone is a winner. But if it was not, no one is responsible. Consequently, no one can learn from the mistake and grow from it.

As a CEO, I have navigated the turbulent seas of decision-making, having made thousands of executive decisions. And believe me, it’s not a communal affair. You are compensated to be the decision-maker, not to foster a utopian dream of democratic consensus.

When the moment of truth arrives, it’s you against the challenges, armed with an arsenal of data and diverse opinions. Yet, despite all voices, the final call is yours to make — and yours alone. And the aftermath? Living with your decisions? Yes, that’s an integral part of the leadership package.

Initially, the pressure can feel overwhelming. The responsibility can seem colossal, with the potential to crush even the most resilient spirits. Of course, this can happen to those with spirit, not to those without one.

However, with time, you develop resilience. Your skin becomes thicker. The challenges don’t get any easier, but your ability to withstand them reaches new heights. You evolve; you transform; you manage.

Curious about how to navigate this daunting journey? Wondering how to build this resilience?

I’m here to guide you through it with our CEO Coaching and Leadership Coaching programs.

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