Decision Making and Problem Solving

How Great Leaders Avoid the Traps and Lead with Clarity

Every leader is faced with decisions. Some are quick and easy. Others are high-stakes and stressful. Most of us move through our day without even realizing how often we are making judgment calls.

But here’s the problem:

Even experienced leaders fall into patterns of poor decision-making.

• We might rush.

• We might overthink.

• We might try too hard to make everyone happy.

  
  

There is a very real cost to these patterns that most overlook.

• Slow progress.

• Team frustration.

• Wasted time and energy.

  
  

This week, we are talking about how to spot these traps, simplify the decision-making process, and help your team move forward with more confidence and clarity.

Watch Out for These Common Decision Traps

Let’s start with awareness. Most decision-making mistakes are not because we are careless. They happen because of hidden mental shortcuts called biases. These shortcuts are often invisible in the moment but can quietly push us in the wrong direction.

Here are a few of the most common:

• Confirmation Bias: You look for data or opinions that support what you already believe, while ignoring anything that challenges your view.

• Anchoring: The first idea or number you hear sticks with you and influences every decision that comes after.

• Groupthink: You avoid disagreement in meetings, even if your gut tells you something is off, because you do not want to rock the boat.

• Overconfidence Bias: You are sure you are right, even if you have not tested your thinking or asked for input.

Each of these can lead to poor decisions that feel good in the moment but backfire later. The more aware you are of these patterns, the easier they are to manage.

Simple Tools That Bring Structure to Chaos

Good decisions are rarely the result of gut instinct alone. The best leaders lean on frameworks and tools that help them think clearly under pressure.

Here are three that I regularly use in coaching and leadership sessions:

1. The DARE Model Define → Assess → Respond → Evaluate This four-step method gives you a structured way to slow down, look at the problem from different angles, and make a plan you can actually test.

   
   

2. The 5 Whys You start with a surface-level problem and ask "Why?" five times to dig deeper. This helps you uncover the real root of the issue, not just a symptom.

   
   

3. The Decision Matrix List your options and score them based on how much effort they require and how much impact they will have. This helps you avoid chasing the wrong priorities.

You do not need fancy spreadsheets or hours of analysis. These simple tools work because they bring order to the chaos and help you stay focused on what actually matters.

Leading Teams Through Decision-Making

It is one thing to make a decision on your own. It is another thing to bring your team along with you, especially when people have different opinions or when the path forward is unclear.

This is where consensus becomes important. But consensus does not mean everyone has to agree 100 percent. It means the team feels heard, understands the decision, and is willing to move forward together.

Here are a few ways to lead consensus without wasting time:

• Polls: Ask the group to give a quick thumbs up or down to get a sense of where people stand.

• Fist to Five: Have each person show a number from zero (no agreement) to five (full support) to measure confidence in the decision.

• One Word Rounds: Ask each person to share one word that captures how they feel about the direction. This keeps the discussion focused and gives everyone a voice.

These tools help reduce confusion, build alignment, and create space for honest input. When your team feels like they had a say in the process, they are far more likely to support the outcome.

Are You Making Confident, Clear Decisions?

 If you have ever…

• Felt stuck in analysis paralysis

• Avoided a decision because of team tension

• Made a rushed call that created more problems

• Or just want to lead with more confidence and less stress

Then this week’s Wolf Leadership Series session is built for you.

We will break down how to spot decision traps, use frameworks that work, and practice real-time decision-making as a team.

If you want to join the session, just drop a comment or message me and I will send you the invite.