Leadership looks different when you’re in the seat. Making big decisions always looks easy until you’re the one sitting in the seat where big decisions have to be made.
From the outside, the answers often seem obvious.
Why don’t they just make the decision? What’s taking so long? I know what I would do.
And then you become the person responsible for making the call.
Suddenly, you realize there are people involved. Relationships to consider. Consequences that may not be immediately obvious. Information you can’t always share with everyone. Budgets that have to be met – from every area of the organization.
And sometimes there isn’t a perfect answer. Just several options, each with a different set of challenges.
I’ve learned this in business, government, and ministry. It’s one thing to have an opinion about a decision. It’s another to carry responsibility for the outcome.
This doesn’t mean leaders are always right. We’re not. I’ve certainly made my share of bad decisions.
Leaders need accountability. We need people willing to challenge our thinking and help us see what we’re missing.
For those of us sitting in the decision-making seat, we still have to listen, seek wise counsel, and make the best decision we can.
But at times I’ve wished for a little more grace to those who have to make difficult decisions.
Ultimately, leadership isn’t about having the authority to make decisions. It’s about accepting the responsibility that comes with them.
