Learning How to Make Decisions Through Experience
Over the years, I have learned that leadership is not about always having the perfect answer right away. It is about knowing how to gather the right information, listen to the people around you, and make the best decision possible with what you have in front of you.
My career has taken me through different industries and leadership roles, starting in the restaurant business and eventually moving into operations leadership at CLR Builders. Each position taught me something different about managing people, solving problems, and staying focused when things do not always go according to plan.
When you are responsible for daily operations, you quickly realize that decisions cannot always wait. There are times when you have to make a call with limited information, and you have to trust your experience and judgment. That does not mean rushing. There is a difference between making a fast decision and making a careless decision.
One question I ask myself often is, “What information do I need before moving forward?” Sometimes the answer is simple, and other times it requires talking with supervisors, reviewing the situation, and understanding what is actually happening on the ground.
Preparation Creates Confidence
One of the biggest habits I have developed throughout my career is preparation. I have always believed that the more prepared you are, the better position you are in when challenges come up.
In operations, you cannot just focus on what is happening today. You have to think ahead. You have to look at potential issues before they become bigger problems. This can involve reviewing processes, checking in with teams, and making sure everyone understands their responsibilities.
A lot of successful decision-making happens before the decision even needs to be made.
I have seen situations where a lack of preparation creates unnecessary stress. When people are not clear on expectations or processes are not being followed, problems tend to multiply. On the other hand, when teams are trained properly and communication is consistent, people are able to handle challenges more effectively.
Preparation does not mean expecting everything to go perfectly. There will always be unexpected situations. The goal is to build a strong enough foundation that you can adapt when those moments happen.
Communication Is One of the Most Important Leadership Tools
Leadership is not just about giving instructions. It is about making sure people understand the reason behind decisions and feel comfortable bringing concerns forward.
Throughout my career, I have learned that communication can prevent a lot of problems before they happen. Sometimes a situation looks one way from a leadership perspective, but the people working directly in that area may have information that changes the way you look at it.
That is why I believe in following up and having conversations with the people involved. It is easy to make assumptions when you are not asking questions.
I have had moments where I had to stop and think, “Am I seeing the full picture?” That question is important because good leaders have to be willing to adjust their approach when new information comes in.
At the same time, communication does not mean avoiding difficult decisions. There are times when leaders have to make choices that may not be easy. The responsibility is to handle those situations professionally, explain the reasoning, and keep everyone moving in the right direction.
Developing People Makes Decision-Making Stronger
As a leader, one of my responsibilities is not only making decisions myself but helping others develop the confidence to make good decisions as well.
I work with supervisors who have their own responsibilities, and part of my role is making sure they have the training and support they need. A strong operation cannot depend on one person making every decision. It requires a team of people who understand the goals and know how to handle challenges.
One thing I have learned is that people often grow when they are given the opportunity to take ownership. There is always a balance, though. You want to give people room to learn, but you also have to provide guidance and accountability.
Finding that balance is something leaders continue to work on throughout their careers.
Making Decisions While Staying Open to Improvement
No matter how much experience someone has, there is always room to improve. I have learned a lot from the decisions I have made, both the successful ones and the ones that required me to rethink my approach.
Leadership is a constant learning process. The way I approached a situation years ago may not be the same way I approach it today because experience changes your perspective.
The biggest lesson I have learned is that good decisions come from a combination of preparation, communication, and experience. It is about knowing when to act quickly, knowing when to gather more information, and understanding the impact your decisions have on the people around you.
Every day brings new challenges, but those challenges are also opportunities to continue growing as a leader. I do not believe leadership is about having all the answers. I believe it is about staying focused, continuing to learn, and doing the work necessary to make the best decisions possible.