Major Reasons for Poor Decisions

 Rely too much on past Experience: One of the greatest attributes a leader can bring to a team or organization is their experience. If the environment, situation or information changes, however, then past experience can hinder the decision-making process. J. Paul Getty said it best, “In times of rapid change, the experience could be your worst enemy.”  Ignorance: Some leaders are convinced they are right, even in the face of conflicting information. When leaders fully believe they are right, they are less willing to listen to and incorporate other people’s information and expertise into their decisions.  Power: Researchers have concluded that people who accumulate power can develop unwarranted confidence in their own abilities. This is especially true when managers surround themselves with “yes” people who have built a reputation for agreeing with any decision the leader recommends.  Select strong team members: Strong team members are willing to tell you the truth and will challenge and question the validity of your decisions and recommendations. Weak team members, or “yes” people who are fearful of losing their jobs, have no ability to stand up to a forceful boss and challenge the validity of their decisions. A strong team of individuals who think differently and independently will ultimately lead to better decisions and fewer mistakes.