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Effective decision-making is one of the key traits of effective leaders. This HBR article addresses some of the root issues that can result in bad decisions: http://bit.ly/AspireMCL046 In addition, we are all subject to different biases. For example, many tend to give more weight to the first bit of information they receive when considering a complex issue. Aspire MCL helps leaders develop decision-making competencies and the communications and motivational skills necessary f

I have just written another article for LinkedIn on the above topic. It builds on a previous article looking at the common traits of exceptional leaders. If you want to improve your decision-making abilities, I outline a series of questions you can ask yourself and highlight the root skills necessary to cultivate success. Here is the link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/being-decisive-making-effective-decisions-ian-kirkby Ian K #decisiveness #decisionmaking #soundjudgement

Be clear about what outcomes the meeting must produce and prioritise the agenda. What decisions must be made and to whom must they be communicated? How? Being clear about these things at the start of the meeting will help you to prioritise discussion points and to allocate time more appropriately. In a dynamic environment, priorities and situations change, so don’t be a slave to the agenda. Change the agenda order and remove/add points as necessary (remembering that your team

Not a comprehensive list, but useful for focusing effort and keeping the team on track: https://hbr.org/2017/04/5-questions-leaders-should-be-asking-all-the-time. Appropriate questions can be very helpful for generating new ideas, promoting buy-in, clarifying understanding, getting the quieter team members involved, etc. Even if you know precisely what you want to achieve and do, it can be a useful technique. #ActionCentredLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Meetings #Decision

When leading a discussion on contentious matters, frame the issues in a neutral manner, explain the outcomes required from the meeting and allow your team to work it through. A common mistake is for the leader to speak too much and/or to 'anchor' the discussion, i.e. making it clear what he/she thinks the solution should be. Such an approach stifles creativity (who wants to go against the boss?) and precludes buy-in (there is no ownership of the solution which has been given

Top tips for making your meetings more productive and enjoyable.