The statue in the photo above is of General George S. Patton, Jr., taken in front of the General Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, California. Patton, known as “Blood and Guts,” was one of the greatest generals in American history and he knew how to make decisions.
The Importance of Timing
Most people won’t face the life-and-death decisions that Patton encountered during World War II, but we can still learn from his wisdom. Patton once said:
“Making a decision too early will result in making too many changes. Making a decision too late always results in emergency decision making – pressure decisions.”
Making a decision too soon can lead to constant revisions, while waiting too long creates unnecessary pressure and forces reactive decision-making. Both approaches have consequences, but the key is finding the right balance.
How Do You Know If Your Timing Is Right?
A magnet on my desk reads:
“Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.”
So, how do you develop good judgment? It comes from:
Life experiences: learning from past successes and failures. Training and education: expanding your base of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Weighing your options: considering the risks and rewards. Seeking wise counsel: learning from those with experience. Relying on your core values: staying true to your principles.
Don’t Be Paralyzed by Decision-Making
If your house is on fire, you don’t analyze every possible escape route, you act. But if you’re buying a car, you take the time to research and weigh your options. The key is knowing when to decide quickly and when to take your time.
Some people overthink every decision, fearing they’ll make the wrong choice. I once served as the chairman of the deacons in my church, where three of the members were engineers. Every decision felt like they were launching a satellite into orbit, and it drove me nuts!
I Can Help
Since 2007, I’ve studied decision-making and situational awareness and authored two research papers on the subject during my time in the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy. As a former battalion chief and incident commander, I’ve made countless high-stakes decisions, and I can help you and your team do the same.
Reach out to me at rick@fireofficerleadershipacademy.com or visit www.fireofficerleadershipacademy.com to learn more.
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