Continuing with the concept of S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound), I once shared with my team how I use the SMART concept to make sound decisions or put in place good action items. Whether you are in the restaurant dining with investors or customers, in a boardroom with board members, in a conference room with your team, in your own office or out in the field on phone while playing golf, there is always that moment when you need to make a quick and sound decision. Using the SMART concept may help make life easier for everyone.

Before I highlight the how-to's, let me point out that leaders shouldn't be rushed to make decisions. Their decisions are like decrees made by kings. They have ripple effects and affects many other people. The bigger the influence and impact of your decision, the more trickier it gets in deciding. Poor decision-makers will leverage bureaucracy to procrastinate on issues they wish not have a say on. Rookies would jump too fast in conclusion and then realize that they should have explored and analyzed the situation more by further observing, asking, listening, checking the facts, determining frequency, and finding root cause of symptoms than responding by pressure.

Sometimes there is no time for analytics (and this is difficult for leaders with the analytical style). You have to make a decision. Postponing your decisions all the time can show weak leadership. Perhaps thinking and reasoning with your party on-the-go could help. At the end of the day, you will make a decision. Whether it is an interim decision (decision to make final decision later) or a final one, be sure to do it the SMART way.

And when attempting to make SMART decisions, take time in either mentally or tangibly running these questions to ensure good results:
- Specific: What key issue I need to take action on right now? State your goal now.
- Measurable: How do I make sure it is done? How do we measure the success of its execution?
- Actionable: What exactly are we going to do to execute it?
- Realistic: Is it too much for you or your team? (Considering all other constraints)
- Time-bound: Put a clear timeline so you can close the loop on the subject

Once you get yourself in the habit of executing according to the above pattern, you will build enough consistency in the eyes of your customers and your own team. This will create trust and loyalty, and your decisions will begin to have a positive impact on others with less initial push-backs. 

You can use the same pattern to analyze other people's decision to know if it'll work or just cause another workload with no substance to people. You wouldn't imagine how many people's action items we've raised the flag on because we just ran a simple SMART check...

Upgrade your mindset and be effective among the people around you! I hope this helps.. besides, it's free of charge today :-)

Once a mind is upgraded to a higher standard, there is nothing else left but the display of its tangible thoughts - different and effective results! Now, go on and change your Africa!

Stay blessed!

- Aa

Published by Wenze Team
- Courtesy of Alkatek, Inc. A Technology and Management Consulting firm based in Southern California. This article was first published on Wenze.com as a way of helping African Entrepreneurs think different about the economic trends related to Africa and its Diasporas. Learn more about Corporate Africa


About Alkatek, Inc. 

Alkatek, Inc. provides office technologies and services that help companies gain efficiencies and capitalize on opportunities. Our entire organization is focused on the application of practical, innovative business solutions. We tailor solutions to meet our customers' need allowing them to remain focused on what they do best.