Sixth Sense: Business Leaders Share Advice On Reaching a Decision

Editor’s note: This article appears in the latest magazine edition of Talk Business Arkansas, which you can read here.

Excellent decision-making is a key to management success. Talk Business Arkansas asked six state business leaders for advice and tips on selecting a course of action for making tough choices.

F.S. (Sandy) Stroope
Owner
Boat World, Inc., Harrison

The customer is (almost) always right.

Much of our day-to-day decision-making process is based on the above statement. We work hard to see the customer’s point of view and needs when deciding issues pertaining to them. I have learned and adhere to the simple philosophy that it is always best to treat individuals who do business with us as I would want to be treated.

Experience has taught me that the same philosophy applies to decisions I make concerning employees. Respect and loyalty are engendered more quickly in most employees by this type of treatment.

In business, our decisions impact customers, employees, families, our community and, ultimately, the bottom line. I try to always remember that and to use past experience and this simple philosophy to guide me in making day-to-day business decisions.

Carla M. Martin, J.D.
Dean, School of Business and Management
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

I have learned that good decision makers are made and not simply born.

Good decision makers take time to gather and review all pertinent information on the matter to be addressed: they are good listeners, they ask tough questions, they make a decision after analyzing the risk versus reward dichotomy, and they stand by their decision.

They are willing to weigh in on situations and are tough enough to accept the consequences of their decisions, if there are any. They also learn from their decisions if it is revealed that there was a better decision to be made.

Good decision makers are also confident. Good decision-making comes from lessons learned when making decisions. Ultimately, people who are capable of making good decisions, especially tough decisions, are well-respected no matter the industry.

Robin J. Carroll
Circuit Judge, Fourth Division
El Dorado

To make good decisions you must make sure you have chosen a career where you trust and can live with the decisions you will face.

As prosecuting attorney, I had to know I could make the decision to seek the death penalty in a capital murder case. As circuit judge, I had to know that I could make the decision of which parent would receive custody of a child.

The same holds true in the business world as decisions must be made to hire or fire, expand or cut back, pursue new opportunities or pass on a deal.

Whatever the position, you have to make sure you can live with the decisions you make.

Janet Jones
President and Owner
The Janet Jones Company

Decision-making has always been a challenge for me, but I have developed a process that works.

First, the gut-level intuitive decision that is quick and painless. It is clear-cut and involves my principles and ethics – what is clearly right and wrong. In his book, “Blink,” Malcolm Gladwell refers to this type of decision as the two-second rapid cognitive or snap judgment.

Secondly, there is the quiet decision that takes deep thought and concentration. I sleep on this type of decision and awaken with the answer that has been presented to me by my subconscious mind.

Thirdly is the decision for which I go through a lengthier process – garnering all the information, interviewing others, pondering all possibilities then living with the options until the answer is clear.

My two best decisions have been to start my own company, The Janet Jones Company, and to marry my best friend, Bud Jones.

Bill Booker
President
Roller Funeral Homes, Little Rock

One of the most significant lessons I have learned in decision-making occurred when I transitioned from being a management team member to being the leader of the team.

As a team member, I was very comfortable with offering possible suggestions or ideas at any time and team discussion would always continue, including critical evaluations or comments of my ideas.

But as the team leader, I began to see that any idea or possible solution that I offered tended to be too readily accepted and to discourage any further discussion. It was as if being team leader had elevated my ideas or suggestions to a higher level than the same ideas might have had when I was a team member.

As a result, I had to remind myself not to be the first to offer my personal ideas or suggestions, but rather to allow and encourage other members the opportunity to express their views.

Alex Martinez
CEO
Soltel Networks, Springdale

Decision making in everyday life is a balancing act. Many decisions are made by emotion, some are made logically and others are made by personal beliefs.

In business, you must trust your instincts and stand firm as your decision made will impact your bottom line. Good decision making is essential for effective business leaders.

Clarity is needed to know where you want to be. That is the decision making process.