What is your decision-making strategy? (117-2)

Decision making is one of leadership’s core competencies. The ability of a leader to make good decisions in a timely manner differentiates between poor and good, and between good and great leaders. Read Nehemiah 1:1-11.

Nehemiah was faced with a huge challenge. The walls of Jerusalem were in disrepair, and the returned exiles were vulnerable and disheartened. Nehemiah used some elements of decision making that can help any leader facing the next major decision:

• Nehemiah carefully studied the situation (vv 2-3). Effective decision making requires accurate information.
• Nehemiah empathized with those living in Jerusalem (v 4). Effective decision-making leaders are able to see the problem from all sides not just their personal bias.
• Nehemiah humbled himself before the Lord and made himself available for service (v 4). Effective decision making requires a leader’s commitment to the project.
• Nehemiah prayed and petitioned God for help (vv 5-11). Christian leaders know the source of wisdom when making decisions.

A leader will make hundreds, if not thousands, of decisions every day. Making decisions affects just about everything else a leader does. Decisions reveal a leader’s values and intelligence. Making good decisions requires wisdom. Since God is the source of all wisdom, Christian leaders understand the need for obedience to and dependence upon God in the decision-making process.

What strategies do you currently use when making decisions? How could the methods Nehemiah used help you?

James 4:13-15 “Now listen, you who say, ‘today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”