Slow decision-making could be paralysing your business.
We all do it.
You get caught up in your head, twirling the idea or problem around, over-complicating things, pitching the idea/problem, getting rejected or blank looks, getting frustrated, wanting to give up, maybe having another go, getting more of the same and setting it aside.
Despite slow decision-making being a massive ongoing problem across the business landscape, the real problem is actually failing to clearly articulate a problem and communicate the process for solving it in a simpler way.
Let me give you an example.
A young girl has been learning to ride horses with me, let’s call her Violet.
I’ve been riding since about the time I could walk and every single person who’s instructed me along this journey has told me, ‘Put your heels down’, in order to ride with a better seat and more control.
So naturally, this is exactly what I said to Violet.
Except this made absolutely no sense to her. Eventually, she said to me, ‘It doesn’t make sense, I can’t put my heels down.’
I had to figure out a better way of communicating what she needed to do to become a safer rider.
And you know what it was?
Toes up.
(You’ve lifted your toes now haven’t you 😉)
We do the same thing at work with jargon, acronyms or overly complex explanations that don’t resonate.
And quite often we don’t get the feedback we need or the time to think about a better solution, so barrel on with one that no one gets.
Here’s my challenge to you:
Take a step back and look at what’s stuck in your business.
- Are your emails, reports, or business cases overly long or filled with jargon?
- Do your processes make it hard for customers to buy from you?
- Are you clearly communicating the cost of inaction to stakeholders?
Clearly articulating the problem and simplifying your message can be a game-changer, which improves slow decision-making and communication.
Start small: pick one process, one document, or one message today.
How can you make it simpler so it’s easier for someone to say yes?
A simple way to start is with my 1-Page Problem Solving Blueprint, contact me here if you’re interested.
Nina
PS. If you’ve been thinking we’re in for more uncertainty this year, I invite you to grab a copy of my eBook. It’s packed with practical strategies for building relationships, engaging new markets and motivating teams. Download it here – Thrive When Others Survive – Strategies for Growth in Uncertain Markets