As an executive leadership coach, I’ve found that one of the worst qualities a leader can possess is indecisiveness. An indecisive leader can slowly erode an organization’s productivity, morale, and success, causing countless companies to struggle.
Working with indecisive leaders is challenging and requires effort and patience, but it’s crucial to recognize and address this issue to prevent it from taking a heavy toll on their team and business. Here are some ways an indecisive leader is silently eroding their organization and losing the respect of their team:
Prolonged Decision-Making: Indecisive leaders often postpone decisions, continuously requesting more information or delaying crucial meetings. I coach my clients to set clear deadlines for gathering data and making decisions to prevent prolonged decision-making.
Flip-Flopping on Choices: Indecisive leaders may frequently change their minds, reversing decisions or providing conflicting guidance. I guide my clients to thoroughly evaluate options and communicate decisions clearly to their team to avoid flip-flopping.
Avoiding Tough Calls: Indecisive leaders may shy away from difficult choices, delegating decision-making or avoiding pressing issues. I encourage my clients to face tough decisions head-on and trust their judgment.
Lack of Clear Goals: Without clear goals and priorities, indecisiveness can thrive. I work with my clients to establish well-defined objectives and communicate them to their team to streamline decision-making.
Analysis Paralysis: Indecisive leaders can get stuck in analysis paralysis, constantly seeking more information. I advise my clients to set a timeline for gathering relevant data and make decisions based on the available facts.
Fear of Mistakes: The fear of making mistakes can fuel indecisiveness. I help my clients embrace calculated risks and view mistakes as learning opportunities to make better decisions in the future.
People Pleasing: Indecisive leaders often try to please everyone, which can lead to a lack of clear direction and decision-making. I help my clients overcome this tendency by encouraging them to focus on the organization’s goals and make decisions based on what’s best for the company, even if it means not pleasing everyone.
Recognizing and resolving indecisive leadership is essential for any organization’s success. By setting clear goals, gathering relevant information, embracing calculated risks, and communicating effectively, leaders can foster a more decisive and productive workplace.
Lead From Within: Embrace decisive leadership to drive your organization forward with clarity and purpose.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- The Toxic Habits That Will Make You a Bad Leader
- How to Best Survive A Bad Leader
- Why Indecision is a Deadly Trait for Leaders: How to Overcome It
- 7 Tips for Sharpening Your Leadership Decision-Making Skills
- 6 Simple Ways to Make Better Decisions for The Best Results
- 19 Annoying Habits You Must Break to Be a Better Leader
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.