Nonprofit leaders make a lot of decisions as they run their nonprofit organizations. Decision-making is a thinking process. However, we often make decisions without consciously thinking about our decision and how we are making it. In fact, many of us don't even realize we are or have made a decision!

Some sources suggest that we make about 35,000 decisions a day. As a leader, I'm going to guess that there is a chance you make a few more decisions than most employees and chances are your decisions hold a lot more weight and responsibility.

If my assumptions are accurate, it's likely important that you slow down your decision-making and be more intentional about it. Use these questions as a way to check your process.

10 questions to ask before you make your next decision

1 - What is the decision I am making?

2 – Is it my decision to make?

Who else do I need to include in the decision-making process?

3 – When does this decision need to be made by?

• Have I given myself the time to think this decision through clearly?
• Do I feel like I'm rushing?

4 – What are the options or sides that I am considering?

• Are there more perspectives I should consider?

5 – Do I have all of the information I need?

6 – Who will this decision impact?

• In what ways?

7 – Will my decision set off a ripple of other issues that will require further decision-making?

• If so, who will be responsible for making those decisions?

8 – Am I making a values-based decision?

• What organizational values come into play regarding this decision?
• How do my personal values play a role in this decision?

9 – How important is this decision?

• Have I given it the thinking time it deserves, considering its importance?
• Am I overthinking it?

10 – Will I be able to live with my decision?

Processing these questions will help you be intentional in your decision-making, but it only works if you create opportunities to think as a leader. Final tip? Schedule thinking time into your calendar! And don't be afraid to tell others that's what you are doing! Having the confidence to communicate your role is an essential aspect of leadership.

Leadership Development Coach Kathy Archer helps women develop confidence, maintain their composure and lead with integrity! She is the author of Mastering Confidence and the host of the Surviving to Thriving podcast. Kathy blogs for women leading in nonprofits at  www.kathyarcher.com/blog

Home page photo by Vladislav Babienko Unsplash.