This week, I spoke in 3 states, at 3 conferences, and delivered 4 presentations.

And somewhere between the stages, conversations, and airports, I kept coming back to something we deal with all the time as officials: Sometimes there is no perfect call.

There are plays where two experienced officials can watch the exact same thing and see it differently. Leadership isn't much different.

1️⃣ Stop Searching for the Perfect Call

When there isn't a clear right or wrong answer, stop asking, "Which option is perfect?" Instead ask, "What matters most in this decision?"

Pick the one or two things that matter most your people, the customer, speed, cost, safety, or the long-term goal and use those as your filter. You may still have two good choices, but now you have a reason for choosing one.

Real-Life Example:
You're deciding between two candidates. One has more experience; the other fits the team and culture better. Instead of debating who's "better," decide what the team needs most right now and make the call based on that.

2️⃣ Make the Call With What You Know

On the court, I don't get to stop the game and say, "Give me another week to think about this."

I have the information in front of me, my experience, my training, and usually a split second to decide. Leaders may have more than a split second, but eventually, you have enough information to make the call.

Real-Life Example:
Your team brings you two possible solutions to a problem. Both have upside. Both have risk. Instead of scheduling another meeting to discuss the same information again, choose the best path based on what you know and move. Colin Powell once said, "If you have 80% of the information, you have enough to make a decision."

3️⃣ Confidence Doesn't Require Certainty

This might be the hardest one.

We often think confident leaders know they're making the right decision. They don't. Confidence isn't knowing exactly how the decision will turn out, it's trusting your process enough to move forward anyway.

Real-Life Example:
You decide to launch a new service, change a process, or promote someone into a bigger role. There are no guarantees. Make the best decision you can, communicate why you're making it, and be willing to adjust if new information tells you something different.

🏀Final Whistle

Leadership happens in the gray.

You won't always know whether you made the right call when you make it. Gather the information, trust your experience, blow the whistle and own what comes next.

3 Calls to Make This Week

• Identify one decision you've been delaying.

• Decide whether you already have enough information.

• Make the call and move forward.

Go MAKE THE CALL!

Interested in bringing this message to your next conference? Let's connect. https://thedavidposner.com/connect

David M. Posner, MBA , founder of 3 Point Care Consulting is a highly experienced Leadership Consultant and a nationally recognized speaker. With over two decades of expertise in the leading companies, David has been instrumental in providing valuable insights and innovative solutions to address any industry's pressing challenges.

Learn more visit: www.TheDavidPosner.com