10 Essential Decision-Making Filters That Will Transform Your Leadership Journey (And Help You Sleep Better at Night!)

Making Strategic and Personal Decisions: A Guide to Effective Decision-Making Filters

Understanding the Strategic Decision-Making Filter

Using the Strategic Decision-Making Filter:

• Does this choice serve my organization's mission and long-term vision? *The new community outreach program aligns with your organization's mission of providing mental health services to underserved communities and supports your long-term vision of improving mental health outcomes for all.

• What is my intuition telling me about this choice? *Your intuition strongly leans towards developing the community outreach program, as it resonates with your passion for serving marginalized populations.

• Does this choice align with our current strategic plan or action plan? *Developing the community outreach program is in line with your organization's strategic plan to expand reach and impact in underserved communities.

• Will this choice bring long-term enrichment to our organization and the community? *Investing in the community outreach program has the potential to bring long-term enrichment by addressing systemic issues and reaching individuals who may not otherwise have access to mental health services.

• Is it profitable and/or beneficial to achieving our organizational objectives? *While profitability may not be the primary concern for a non-profit organization, the community outreach program aligns with the organizational objectives of serving the community and improving mental health outcomes.

• Will this choice provide a return on investment in terms of impact and outcomes? *Developing the community outreach program is expected to yield a significant return on investment in terms of improved mental health outcomes and community engagement.

• Does this choice energize and excite our team and stakeholders? *The prospect of developing the community outreach program energizes your team and stakeholders, as they see it as a meaningful and impactful initiative.

• Does this choice honour our organization's values of equity, inclusion, and social justice? *Developing the community outreach program aligns with your organization's core values of equity, inclusion, and social justice by addressing disparities in access to mental health services.

• Is now the right time, or do we have the capacity currently to implement this choice? *Your organization has the capacity and resources to develop the community outreach program effectively, making it the right time to move forward with this choice.

• Does this choice contribute to maximizing our strengths and leveraging our expertise? *Developing the community outreach program leverages your organization's strengths in community engagement, mental health advocacy, and program development.

Leveraging the Personal Decision-Making Filter

Using the Personal Decision-Making Filter:

• Will this choice propel me toward my career vision and goals? *Pursuing a master's degree in education aligns with your career vision of advancing in the field of education and assuming leadership roles.

• Will this choice contribute to my long-term well-being and professional fulfillment? *While pursuing further education may require sacrifices in the short term, it promises long-term professional fulfillment and career advancement opportunities.

• Will this choice increase my energy and passion for teaching or diminish it? *The prospect of pursuing further education reignites your passion for teaching by providing new knowledge and skills to enhance your practice.

• Is this choice driven by confidence in my abilities and aspirations or by fear of stagnation? *Your decision to pursue further education is primarily driven by confidence in your abilities and aspirations for career growth, rather than fear of stagnation.

• Is this choice authentic to my professional aspirations, or am I influenced by external pressures? *Pursuing further education is authentic to your professional aspirations, as it aligns with your desire for continuous learning and growth in the field of education.

• Will this choice strengthen my sense of professional integrity and expertise? *Obtaining a master's degree in education will enhance your expertise and strengthen your sense of professional integrity as a dedicated educator committed to ongoing learning and development.

• Will this choice expand my opportunities for career advancement and professional impact? *Earning a master's degree in education will expand your opportunities for career advancement, allowing you to assume leadership roles and make a broader impact in the field of education.

• Will this choice align with my values and principles as an educator? *Pursuing further education aligns with your values of lifelong learning, excellence in teaching, and commitment to professional growth.

• Is this choice an expression of self-investment and career development or self-doubt and insecurity? *Choosing to pursue further education is an expression of self-investment and career development, reflecting your confidence in your abilities and commitment to continuous improvement.

Related Tips:

• Listen to your intuition: When faced with a difficult decision, take a moment to connect with your intuition. Sometimes, your instinct can guide you towards the best option.

• Align your decisions with your long-term vision: Before making a decision, ensure that it aligns with your personal goals or your organization's long-term objectives. This will ensure that your actions contribute to your growth or that of your institution in the long run.

• Evaluate your skills and weaknesses: Before making a significant decision, take the time to assess your current skills and weaknesses. Identify areas where you may need reinforcement or development to succeed in your endeavour.

• Identify your core values: Your values or those of your organization should be considered when making decisions. Ensure that your choices align with these values to maintain your integrity and commitment.

• Weigh short and long-term benefits: Before making a decision, carefully evaluate the potential short and long-term benefits. Opt for choices that bring lasting benefits, even if they require more initial effort.

• Invest in your personal and professional growth: Prioritize decisions that promote your personal and professional development. This may include training opportunities, mentoring, or additional education to enhance your skills and advance in your career.

• Maintain clear and transparent communication: When making decisions that affect your team or community, ensure to maintain open and transparent communication. This will foster trust and engagement among stakeholders.

• Be ready to adjust your plan: Decision-making is a continuous process. Be open to adjusting your plan based on new information or changes in circumstances. Flexibility is essential to adapt to challenges and opportunities that arise.