As a leader, the decisions you make today will have short- and long-term effects on you, your team, and your organization. Taking a moment to ask the right questions can mean the difference between a well-calculated move and regret. Use these questions to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

What if we did nothing? Consider the potential risks and benefits of inaction. Ask yourself whether immediate action is truly necessary or if more information is needed.

What options did we miss? Biases can blind you to alternatives. Challenge assumptions and seek fresh perspectives. Have you really explored all viable paths? Engaging different viewpoints can reveal solutions you hadn’t considered.

How will we measure success? Define clear goals and track progress to stay on course. Success should be measurable—what benchmarks will indicate you made the right choice? Establishing key performance indicators early ensures accountability and direction.

Can we reverse this decision? If possible, build in flexibility to adapt and pivot if needed. Some decisions are final, while others allow room for adjustments down the road. Consider the cost and effort required to change course, and prepare contingency plans.
This tip is adapted from “5 Questions to Help Your Team Make Better Decisions,” by Steven Morris.
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