Try these techniques to help you make good, quick decisions:

1.    Calm down. If you’re feeling pressured into making a fast decision, the first thing to do is calm down. If you aren’t in a position where you can think clearly, then it will be more difficult to make a good decision.  Take a few deep breaths to help gain clarity of thought and to ease some of the stress.

2.    Avoid running in circles. When time is of the essence, you might find that your mind begins to run in circles. Break your decision down into the vital parts and focus on the benefits of each alternative one at a time.

3.    Take the time you need. Most of the time you won’t need to make decisions in a matter of seconds. You may need to make a decision quickly, but allow yourself time to go over your options.

4.    Make a list of options and alternatives. You can write the steps down, or keep a list in your head. Do what works for you. Consider the outcomes of the available choices, as well as alternative ideas.

5.    Consider your feelings and the feelings of others. Sometimes it’s good to just follow a gut feeling even if you don’t have much to back it up. Explore your initial feelings about the decision. Also, take the time to consider the feelings of the other people involved.

6.    Ask for help. Most of the time you don’t have to be alone with your major decisions, and if you need to make a decision quickly, it’ll help to get another pair of eyes on the situation. Ask for help from someone you know and trust.

7.    Narrow down your choices. See if you can quickly cross some alternatives off of your list of possibilities. Your decision will be easier if there are fewer choices.

8.    Think on your feet. Strengthen your ability to think fast. This takes practice, confidence, and a firm belief in yourself. As you become more accustomed to thinking on your feet, you’ll automatically stop second-guessing yourself in tough situations.

9.    Make your decision. If you’ve arrived at a conclusion but you’re still hesitating, then you haven’t made your decision yet. Have confidence and go with whichever alternative seems best based on the information you have.

Remember, many day-to-day decisions aren’t permanent. If your information changes drastically, or things don’t go as planned with this decision, you may be able to change your decision to a new one based on the new circumstances.

As long as you practice these tips, you’ll improve your decision making skills. It may take some work, but the ability to make quick and wise decisions is just around the corner.  Let me know if I can help.

Born leaders possess certain traits. And it can even be seen among children. In a group of children, one or two will stand out as leaders of the group. They haven’t learned any of the skills of leadership. Despite that, they already know how to confidently exhibit their leadership skills. It’s a natural talent they possess. If you possess some of these traits, you may be a natural born leader.

Leaders are able to gain the support and respect of other people. Others listen and are willing to follow. People seem to be drawn to the person. This is an innate trait of a natural leader. Although people will respect good managers, they don’t  necessarily feel drawn to them or compelled to follow their lead.

One of the reasons natural leaders inspire others is because the leader has a genuine passion for what he is doing. He is optimistic and enthusiastic about the work or project. He is committed to the work and gives it all he’s got. This exuberance is contagious. Just being around someone with such passion is enough to inspire passion in other people.

Even when things don’t go smoothly, the leader doesn’t give up. She shows persistence and focus. She is able to focus on the goal and shows determination. The leader will help others stay on track until the project is successful. She is not side tracked by unimportant details, but is able to keep the focus on the goals and steps needed to achieve the goals.

A natural leader is willing to take responsibility. He doesn’t see this as a burden, but welcomes it. Many people don’t want to take work or responsibility home at the end of the day. They want to leave work at the office after five o’clock. Leaders don’t feel this way. They like the feeling of achievement and success that comes with the responsibility.

An effective leader has a clear sense of values. She has definite standards of behavior and always lives by these standards. This affects her reputation in a positive way. People will respect her more for living by her values. In addition, she has the courage to follow these convictions. She will stand up and fight when these values are challenged. This makes others want to follow the leader’s example.

A leader shows great self confidence. This confidence allows him to make decisions and lead people effectively. He believes he can succeed and reach the goals he has set. This inspires confidence in others. It is contagious. Some people are born with natural confidence, and some are not.  Self confidence can be learned and improved.