Dhaka: Sitting in a leadership position increases responsibility, and with it comes the pressure to make tough decisions. If you are an entrepreneur, team leader or the head of an organization, there will be many moments when all eyes will be on you. A right decision can take you to the peak of success, while a wrong step can ruin your long-term hard work. After a big loss on the cricket field, the captain has to take the most responsibility, not the rest of the team. The same is true in leadership.
Sometimes your decision will be accepted by everyone, and sometimes you will have to make a decision that no one will like. Even if there is a storm of criticism at first, later that decision may prove to be the right one. But if it fails? Then you will have to bear all the condemnation and consequences alone. This pressure makes leadership unique, but at the same time difficult. However, those who become leaders have the skills to face this challenge. So today we will discuss how to make tough decisions as a leader—with 6 effective methods that will make your path easier.

1. Keep your brain sharp
   The human brain has a limited capacity. It can only work to a certain extent every day. If you put too much pressure on it, it will cause fatigue and reduce your ability to make decisions. Psychologist Rahima Begum says, “You have to make many decisions, big and small, every day. What to wear, what to eat—all of these consume brain power.” When it comes time to make a difficult decision, if the brain is already tired, the chances of making a mistake increase.
   The solution? Make small decisions in advance. For example, plan your entire week’s clothing and food list at the beginning of the week. This will keep your brain power intact for big decisions. This reduces ‘decision fatigue’, which is very important for leaders.
2. Think of yourself as an ‘outsider’
   A study by the New York Times said that when making difficult decisions, thinking of yourself as separate from the team or organization reduces stress. Business coach Saiful Islam says, “Imagine, this is not your own organization, but you are advising a friend’s company.” This strategy deceives the brain. For example, when laying off someone, think to yourself, you are just giving advice. This reduces the impact of emotions, making decisions easier.
3. Set a deadline
   Many leaders take extra time when making difficult decisions. This is an example of ‘Parkinson’s Law’—that is, the more time you give for the work, the more time it will take. Entrepreneur Farzana Rahman says, “I gave a month for a decision, but if I forced it in a week, it would have been done.” Without a deadline, decisions are delayed, and pressure increases. So even if it is difficult, set a strict deadline for yourself. This will force you to move quickly.
4. Limit options
   It is difficult to make a decision when there are many options. Don’t you hesitate between two shops when buying vegetables in the market? This dilemma is even greater in leadership. Business analyst Mahbub Hasan says, “Think about it for a specific time and choose from all the options that come to mind.” If you think about it for a long time, the same thoughts come back to you, and you get stuck. So think about it for a day and make a list of options, then come to a decision.
5. Rely on calculations
   If you make decisions with emotion, the risk of making mistakes is high. Businessman Rakibul Haque says, “The decision becomes clear when you put it in numbers.” For example, to decide whether to lay off an employee or not, calculate the profit against his salary. If there is a doubt between two people about hiring a new employee, compare experience, skills—all in numbers. This reduces emotion and increases logic.
6. Focus on long-term goals
   The impact of a wrong decision lasts a maximum of 2-5 years, if you follow the right path later. Entrepreneur Nasrin Akhter says, “Small mistakes can be repaired if you have a long-term plan.” Divide big goals into small steps. Make decisions at each step. Even if you make a mistake, it will not ruin the original plan. It reduces stress and increases confidence.
   The bottom line
   Leadership means a combination of responsibility and challenge. Making difficult decisions is an integral part of it. These 6 methods will help you on that path—starting with keeping your brain ready to think long-term, each step will strengthen your decision. If you want to be successful in leadership, try these strategies. Share your experiences or opinions with us, it will be useful for others too.