It’s unfortunate that many people in management fail to grasp a crucial truth: supervisors are paid to make decisions. Without fully understanding this reality, their chances of having a short career in management increase every day. Let’s start exploring the basics of decision-making in management.
First, when we talk about operational decisions, the first step is to determine if the decision is yours to make or if someone else is responsible for it. The urge to project more power than one actually has is something that few people in management can resist. If you do not have the authority to make the decision, the best choice is to pass it to someone who does. Don’t let the desire for power seduce you and jeopardize your career.
Once you are sure that the decision is within your authority, assess the problem's dimensions and urgency, as these will determine how quickly you need to respond. Avoid rushed decisions, as they often lead to poor outcomes. However, don’t delay decisions that require immediate attention; operational problems usually do not improve with time.
While operational problems are diverse, solutions generally fall into four main categories: the best possible solution (a long-term fix), a good enough solution (a temporary fix), the safest option (to take control of the situation), and the one that causes the least damage (to minimize losses). Unfortunately, not all of these options are available in every situation; it’s your job as a decision-maker to determine which type of solution works best.
Once you choose the type of solution, it’s important to distinguish the root causes of the problem from the symptoms. Identifying the root cause effectively solves 50% of the issue, as you understand what you are dealing with. Next, weigh possible solutions and analyze unintended consequences; many people focus only on their goals, ignoring potential downsides. After choosing your solution, implement it and monitor the outcomes to ensure you achieve the desired results and address any unexpected consequences.
As we can see, decision-making is a crucial skill for supervisors. Ignoring it greatly increases the risk of failure, threatening career longevity. In management, the ability to make the right decisions isn't just important—it’s essential for the survival of both supervisors and the entire organization.
By Miguel Gonzalez
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