Decision-making is an inevitable part of life, especially for leaders. Whether you’re deciding on a business strategy, selecting team members, or even choosing a supplier, the options are limitless. The problem is that you don’t always have all the facts. That’s where values come in. They are your internal GPS, navigating you through the fog of uncertainty.
You don’t have all the facts, and that’s okay
Let’s face it, if we had a crystal ball to predict the outcome of every decision, leadership would be very easy. But that’s not reality. You often have to make decisions based on incomplete information. Steve Jobs didn’t have all the facts when he first envisioned the iPhone, but his values of innovation and user experience guided him to create a game-changing product.
Your safety net in uncertainty
When the outcome is a big question mark, your values are your safety net. You may not know how things will turn out, but you’ll have the peace of mind that you acted in accordance with your beliefs.
Values help you prioritize
When you’re overwhelmed by choices, your values serve as a filter to separate the important from the unimportant, focusing your attention on what aligns with your core beliefs. But what if the decision is in line with one value and in conflict with another? This is where the art of prioritization comes in.
Take 10 minutes today to write down your top 5 values. Then, rank them in order of importance. This list will help you when you have to choose between conflicting options. Keep this list handy for the next time you need to make a decision.
Your guiding light in navigating through difficult choices
Life is a winding road, and as a leader, you’ll face many unexpected turns. Your values are your guiding light, helping you make choices that may be difficult but are right for you in the big picture. Elon Musk decided to make Tesla’s electric vehicle patents available to the public. He made this choice because he wants to help the world use clean energy faster.
Following your values gives you inner peace
Living in harmony with your values brings a unique feeling of satisfaction and inner peace. It’s like ROI (Return on Investment) for your soul. You’ll sleep better knowing you made decisions that resonate with who you are.
Values shape your future
Your values aren’t just for the present moment; they shape your future. Decisions made in alignment with your values are investments in a future you’ll be proud to call your own.
Values are not just buzzwords; they are the backbone of meaningful decision-making. So, take the time today to identify, understand, and prioritize your values. Your future self will thank you.
