How do the really successful leaders make the tough calls? It’s a question Bryn Zeckhauser and Aaron Sandoski answer in their book How the Wise Decide: The Lessons of Extraordinary Leaders (wisedecide.com). It took three years of research and interviews with 21 major leaders in the public and private sectors for the strategic communication experts to uncover the core decision-making principles that ensure success. Here are some of the lessons the authors learned:

• Fill a room with barbarians. Bring together people with diverse backgrounds and well-informed opinions to argue their positions and uncover the right solution to a problem. Create a culture of candor where vigorous debate can unearth potential challenges to a decision.

• Conquer the fear of risk. Enlist your entire team to explore opportunities and figure out if a perceived risk is actually far greater than the real risk. Promote more risk-taking and encourage everyone to take “smart risks.”

• Make vision your daily guide. Determine the guiding vision of your organization and stick to it. By formulating a clear vision, you establish the foundation for executing every decision and keep everyone focused on the right goals and how to reach them.

• Be transparent. Be candid and forthcoming about how and why you make a decision. Be clear about the details, the facts, and the consequences, and provide a road map for execution. This builds trust and motivates staff at every level.

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