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Every leader has to make decisions. Leaders lead, therefore decisions have to be made by the person leading. But all leaders know that there are times when decisions are not so easy. Sometimes decisions are complex. Sometimes decisions will entail a win-lose. Sometimes decisions will hurt others. Sometimes decisions will not be applauded by everybody.
I think this is one of the reasons why there are always some hesitations when it comes to making some important decisions. It doesn’t help when we fall into one of the two extremes: either we are afraid of failure or we are too impulsive in making a decision.
But regardless of which extreme we tend to lean towards, decisions have to be made by all leaders; therefore Gordon S. Jackson offers a helpful and practical “decision tree” method to help us navigate through the forest of decision making.
In Jackson’s book, “A Handbook for Discovering God’s Will” he gives these steps:
1. Is your decision in accordance with Scripture?
- If “Yes,” then proceed to next question; if “No,” don’t go any further.
2. Does your decision find support in your prayers?
- If “Yes,” then proceed to next question; if “No,” don’t go any further.
3. Does the advice of others you trust support your decision?
- If “Yes,” then proceed to next question; if “No,” don’t go any further.
4. Have circumstances made it possible for you to act on your decision?
- If “Yes,” then proceed to next question; if “No,” consider the matter closed or go back to Scripture and prayer.
5. Having reached this point, do you have a sense of peace about your decision?
- If “Yes,” then you can feel confident in your decision; if “No,” consider the matter closed or go back to Scripture and prayer.