The Secret to Making Smart Decisions: Less Aggression, More Inclusion!

Having helped many executives through tough business decisions, I have learned that there are no hard and fast rules for decision-making, except one which is usually safe to follow:

“What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the entire Law; all the rest is commentary”

                ~ Rabbi Hillel the Elder (110 BCE–10 CE) 

In our fast-paced and complex life, it’s often hard to know whether a decision would prove right over time. Embracing the moral principle, the Golden Rule, of treating others as we wish to be treated can guide us in doing what is right even when it may not be easy. When we aim to act with inclusion, tolerance, consideration and compassion, we increase the likelihood of long-term positive outcomes. These values may seem scary in a political and corporate climate where we are often pushed for faster decision-making and increasingly more aggressive outcomes. Nonetheless, it’s hard to go wrong when honoring universal values and following ethical guidelines.

Decades of organizational research indicate that diverse groups make better decisions and are more innovative than homogeneous groups. Moreover, with global competition, leveraging diverse individual expertise and experiences has proven to be a fail-proof way to gain a competitive advantage. Different backgrounds, experiences, interests, viewpoints, and value systems lead to a better consideration of competing solutions and alternative choices resulting in better decision-making and problem solving.

We are complex individuals operating in a complex world. Polarization is mostly outdated, and absolutes are limiting. Complex realities are not easily conveyed in simple messages. Successfully navigating multiple and complex needs, requires the capacity and willingness to consider different perspectives and approaches. There is a business need and a moral obligation to help build bridges and connections among different people and ideas, to continuously evaluate the things we hold true about ourselves and others.

Whether in business or in life, we can achieve more when we stop competing for resources and start to collaborate for optimal outcomes and win/win solutions for the greater good. Unfortunately, decision-making is often about gaining power, defeating opposing positions and destroying the competition. Yet, aggression rarely yields a long term sustainable solution. Aggression begets aggression. Aggressive behavior will destroy a culture. When aggressive, destructive, and dishonest behaviors are allowed, people come to fear and mistrust each other. Aggressive decision-making style serves as a collective blindfold masking real issues and systemic problems.

Aggression is a barrier to rational thinking and smart decision-making. For a society, an organization, and individuals to thrive, we need to practice inclusive, calm, and conscientious problem-solving techniques.

Let us all find constructive ways to live together and come together to solve complex organizational and social problems. Let’s commit to keep an open mind, to explore different views, and to carefully weigh long-term benefits and consequences for all those affected by a decision. Let’s strive to do no harm and treat all others with dignity and respect. Let’s create a sustainable future and work to leave the world a better place for future generations by making decisions right – divided we fall, together we are stronger!