Yesterday, my son asked whether he should eat chips or a rice cake for a snack. It seemed like a simple question, but it sparked an important lesson about decision-making. I told him that it was his choice. His body, his health, and his decision. While I would guide him if I saw something that wasn’t beneficial, the final choice was his to make.
He looked at me and said, "But you’re my dad."
I explained to him that while I care deeply for him and will always offer advice when necessary, the responsibility for his choices ultimately lies with him. This is an important lesson in confidence and ownership. He needs to trust himself and feel empowered to make decisions, no matter how small they may seem.
This simple conversation is a reflection of the challenges business leaders face every day. We are constantly surrounded by advice, market research, and the opinions of others. But at the end of the day, the decisions that shape our businesses and our futures are ours to make. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that leaders who allow their teams to make decisions with autonomy create more motivated, engaged, and innovative work environments. When leaders empower their teams to make choices, they foster a culture of confidence and responsibility.
As business leaders, we must learn to trust our own instincts. While feedback and data are valuable, they should not replace the final judgment of the person who knows the business best. A study from The Center for Creative Leadership highlights that leaders who take ownership of their decisions, whether big or small, are more likely to build resilient and successful organizations. This is a process of developing self-reliance in decision-making, both in ourselves and in the people we lead.
Just like my son will build confidence by making his own decisions, leaders must build the confidence to trust their judgment. This doesn’t mean ignoring feedback or avoiding collaboration. It simply means synthesizing that information and using it to make choices that align with your goals, vision, and values.
The decisions you make as a leader reflect who you are and where you want to take your business. When you take ownership of those choices, you establish a culture of trust, accountability, and growth. The ability to make confident decisions, whether it’s a small snack or a big business strategy, is an essential skill for any leader. It’s a skill that should be nurtured, embraced, and trusted in order to move forward with clarity and purpose.
Comments