We all know that today’s business world is an ever changing and increasingly complex environment. Given the circumstances, it is incredibly important for a business owner/manager to continually display a high level of sound judgment to help guide his/her organization through what can often be difficult times. Despite the best plans and written policies, managers are forced to make decisions on a daily basis that can have a huge impact upon a business, and there will undoubtedly be times when mistakes are made. The key as a good manager/owner is to minimize the number of poor decisions by utilizing sound judgment at all times; and to add others to your team that also display this characteristic.
I once reported to a manager who used to say, “if everything can be covered by a policy manual then you don’t need managers”, and he is 100% correct. Policy manuals are guides on how things should operate. They certainly cannot cover every situation that will arise on a day to day basis. Obviously, everyone should be aware of what the policies are, but sometimes it is necessary to step outside of the policy, which is why it is necessary to find people that demonstrate sound judgment over and over again.
Sound Judgment
Quotes
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
Theodore Roosevelt
“On an important decision one rarely has 100% of the information needed for a good decision no matter how much one spends or how long one waits. And, if one waits too long, he has a different problem and has to start all over. This is the terrible dilemma of the hesitant decision maker.”
Robert K. Greenleaf
“Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.”
Peter Drucker
