If you have ever been in a meeting, you know what it looks like and what it sounds like when someone is avoiding a decision and avoiding to choose a side. They appear to be uncomfortable and can at times, come off as weak. This may not be the case, but indecisiveness and an inability to choose a side and stand for something, can and will impede any forward moving progress in your organization.
On the other hand, when you publicly stand behind and support an idea or an initiative, you put yourself at risk. You put yourself, whether you realize it or not, in the potential cross-hairs of the naysayers and the stronghold focus of the opposition. Making decisions and taking a stance can be unforgiving, but it's this strength, courage and willingness that ultimately move organizations forward.
Now, I'm not saying every decision and every stance is a good decision or a good stance, but without making decisions and taking a stand, nothing will ever get accomplished.
Making the wrong decision and then making adjustments and tweaks will always result in more progress than never making a decision in the first place....
So, when you make a decision and publicly stand behind an idea, initiative or a possible change, you better be prepared for the response. Remember, not making a decision and not taking a stance puts your entire organization at risk, while making a decision only puts those who stand behind the decision at risk.
In closing, stop dancing around the issue and get off the sidelines so you can make a decision. Those around you and those with whom you work will appreciate it in the long run. And, just as importantly, don't be discouraged and demoralized by those who lament the decision or stance you have taken. It's their discontent and uproar that signal you are doing something, which in turn means you are giving you and your organization the opportunity to move forward and make progress...
