Decision Making Prowess

When I was thirteen, I wanted to go see the Village People concert with friends. I couldn’t wait to dance and sing “Macho Man” or “YMCA” at the top of my lungs. However, it was on a Sunday night, which for my family was a day of rest and spiritual reflection. I asked my dad for permission anyway. His counsel: think of all the pros and cons, and possible outcomes from a decision to attend or not. It is the first time I remember being allowed to make a decision of this magnitude by myself.

Decisions are our constant companions.

From simple choices, what to have for breakfast, to profound ones, like education and career choice, or a life partner. Decisions shape our path and define our destiny. In life and business, we face challenges and opportunities, each requiring a unique set of decisions. Decisions are the threads of our lives—they are no less, no more, mechanisms of outcomes—and as such, we are constantly testing, analyzing, and improving our process. I knew I would have fun at the concert but making a decision contrary to my beliefs...no fun there. It was hard to tell my friends I wasn’t going with them. I am not sure if I took ownership of the decision or blamed my mean dad, but the lesson was set.

While my thirteen-year-old self didn’t have the critical thinking skills of a 30-year-old, this was the start of my decision-making abilities. As individuals, we evolve, our priorities, values, and aspirations change. Over time we acquire knowledge, develop self-awareness, cultivate critical thinking skills, and refine our decision-making process.

So, when does process turn into prowess?

To answer that question, I reflected on my own experiences. Why did I listen to my father’s advice about attending a concert on a Sunday, but not which job I sales position I chose after college… was one teaching and the other telling me what to do?

When I think of prowess – words like integrity, valor, authenticity, extraordinary skill….warrior, come to mind. Skills and traits developed and honed over a lifetime.

Warriors weigh consequence, empathy, equity, and use experience, discernment, and skill to honor their relationship to self and community. Their prowess is a dedication to excellence.

Consider then the importance of warrior- like prowess in decision making. Decisions affect both us and the people around us. They impact the trajectory of lives. They have an economic impact. Happiness. Stability. Growth. Productivity. They can make or break a business. They can motivate or destroy. They can literally be life or death.

How then do we not commit ourselves to cultivating decision-making prowess?

Our decisions are the threads that weave our life story, and just as the warrior perfects their craft, we must commit to an investment of distinguished and extraordinary decision-making prowess. By embracing decision-making as a dynamic, lifelong pursuit, we ensure that our narrative is one of growth, trust, empathy, and success in business and in life.

Decision-making prowess is a life-long investment

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