Challenge your decisions

Structured critique of your own decisions is useful too. Make sure you're getting it

If your boss never challenges you, ask why. Some bosses are by nature very hands-off, content to let you get on with things without much input from them. But having a decision challenged can be really helpful. It forces you to justify your thought process and helps make sure that you really have come to a solid conclusion.

If your boss is hands off, explain to them why you want them to challenge you more often. Ask your boss to play devil’s avocado from time to time: to dig into your decisions, even if they generally trust you and your decision making.

When to take this action

This action is from 'Overruled' and should be used when you've made a big decision, when you're making a big decision, when your boss is too hands-off

Need something else?

personal-development

Are you always the decider?

Don't let your personal relationships colour your decision making: use data to keep yourself honest.

Track your decisions

one-to-ones

Keep your HIPPO in check

Hippos are dangerous in the wild and in the workplace. Keep yours in check by exploring decisions before you overrule them.

Be inquisitive

one-to-ones

Feedback on your feedback

It's useful to know how your team feel about your feedback and intervention in their decision making. What do they think you could do better?

Check yourself

with-your-boss

Override the overrides

Is your boss constantly overriding your decisions? Don't just accept it: find out why they're doing it, and how you can make it stop.

Deal with the decider

Looking for more?

Hundreds of leaders start their week with a bitesize, incisive thought starter from our playbook. Join them. Sign up for free today.

Please enter a valid email address