Have you ever personally, or witnessed anyone else, take out a lined piece of paper, draw a vertical line down the middle of the page, and considered a situation or option, by listing the reasons to do it (pros), versus the contra-indications (cons)? Wouldn't it make sense, that using a similar approach, would be extremely beneficial, for those serving in positions of leadership? Nearly every issue has both benefits, as well as weaknesses, and a true leader, must consider issues on a risk/reward basis, and consider whether a proposal makes sense, where the ramifications of procrastination, were far more dire than the potential consequences of taking forward-looking action. Using a pros versus cons column-approach, helps one clearly focus on the best approach, and action plan.
1. Clarify/identify: How can anyone properly decide or consider, unless he clearly conceives and perceives of potential issues, needs, priorities and concerns, and how a particular approach, might impact, either positively or negatively? Begin by identifying the issue and plan, and seriously consider how and when to proceed!
2. Weighs issues (risks versus rewards): Remember there is almost always more than one way to proceed, or one approach. These columns helps you objectively and thoroughly weigh the issues, and determine whether the potential risks are less than, or greater than the possible rewards. In addition, doing so, should help weigh the probabilities and ramifications, and to propel one forward in a timely manner.
3. Eyes wide-open (consider ramifications): Beware of the hype, because it often drums-on louder than rational solutions. Great leaders must be idealistic, while maintaining a sufficient degree of pragmatism, in order to avoid merely spinning their wheels, or wasting time on perhaps-popular, yet often, empty rhetoric. Listen far more than you speak, and consider, without prejudgment, alternatives, so you can opt for the one with the best potential, and seems to make the most sense. There are both positive, as well as negative ramifications of every action, including the often, most dire one, which stems from procrastination!
4. Objective, idealistic pragmatism: Being idealistic, at the same time as pragmatic, is often perceives as being somewhat of an oxymoron! However, in reality, it is not, because, unless you determine a way to implement your idealistic approach, the plan will go nowhere, and achieve even less!
5. Helps become honest with self: One of the rarest considered obstacles of effectively leading, is being honest, not only with others, but with yourself! By putting the pros and cons, onto paper, it helps you focus on reality, in a well-conceived and considered manner!
It might sound corny, silly, or simplistic, to follow this procedure, but it is often the best way to begin one's deliberations, considerations and decision-making. If you decide to lead, give yourself the best chance to be the best one, you can be!
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website: http://plan2lead.net and LIKE the Facebook page for leadership planning: http://facebook.com/Plan2lead
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Richard_Brody/492539
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