Here's how you can improve your decision making skills to excel in your career.

When looking at data around your leadership practice, look beyond your direct reports or manager. Look for people across the school or education setting, and gain their honest feedback and input as this will help clarify some of your unknown areas of development needed.

To make solid decisions, start by gathering comprehensive data. Look beyond the basics and dig into the underlying factors that could affect your choices. This isn't just about collecting information; it's about interpreting it in context. Consider who might be influenced by your decision and how it could impact the broader environment. The key is to build a full picture of the situation so you can weigh your options effectively. Being thorough at this stage helps reduce uncertainty and prepares you to make choices that align with your career goals and company objectives.

After gathering data, it's crucial to analyze your options. Examine the pros and cons of each potential course of action, and consider how they fit with your career goals and personal values. This process requires critical thinking and the ability to predict the potential outcomes of each choice. Look for risks and benefits, and consider the impact on your team and organization. A well-thought-out decision aligns with your objectives and accounts for broader implications, ensuring that you're making a choice that not only advances your career but also contributes to the overall success of your workplace.

Seek out a mentor in your field, and make sure you have someone who has a track record of high level leadership skills. Make sure you trust them and take their feedback and advice as a gift.

Seeking advice is crucial to effective decision-making. Engage with trusted colleagues or mentors to get fresh perspectives and validate your reasoning. When you discuss your options, you tap into a wealth of experience that can highlight angles you might have missed. Listen to feedback and be receptive to constructive criticism; these insights can sharpen your judgment and help you avoid blind spots. By incorporating others' views, you increase the likelihood of making a balanced and well-informed choice, ultimately contributing to better outcomes in your career and workplace.

Trusting your instincts can be a powerful tool in decision-making. Although data and advice are key, your intuition is rooted in your experience and understanding. After gathering information and analyzing options, don't shy away from that inner voice guiding you towards a choice. Often, your gut feeling is a culmination of everything you've learned, providing a sense of what aligns with your goals and values. If it feels right, it's worth considering, as instinct can lead to decisions that balance logic with personal and professional satisfaction.

Risk is inherent in every decision. Effective decision-making requires identifying potential risks and developing strategies to manage them. Start by asking yourself what could go wrong, then create a plan to mitigate those risks. This doesn't mean avoiding risk altogether, but rather preparing for unexpected outcomes. Develop contingency plans and consider how to minimize impact if things don't go as planned. Risk management allows you to move forward with confidence, knowing you've thought through the challenges and are ready to navigate them.

Reflecting on outcomes is crucial after making a decision. Regardless of success or failure, there's always a lesson to learn. This reflective approach helps refine your decision-making skills and fosters resilience by teaching you to adapt and grow. Consider maintaining a decision journal to document your choices and their results, providing a valuable resource for personal and professional growth. Regular reflection ensures you're continually improving, transforming experiences into actionable insights that can guide future decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

When considering a decision, think about the broader impact. How might your choice affect company culture, team dynamics, or customer relationships? Sharing relevant stories or examples from your experience can offer insights into these aspects. Additionally, remember that flexibility is key. Even well-planned decisions may require adjustment. Being adaptable helps you respond to changing circumstances. Finally, consider your mental and emotional state. Stress and fatigue can cloud judgment, so ensure you're in the right mindset for making critical decisions.