Strategic decision-making requires a leader to possess critical thinking and an ability to see problems from different perspectives. Uncertain environments demand asking compelling questions to sufficiently solve the problem. Exploring the performative role of questions in leadership may disclose a strategy, which identifies a successful leader and ensures future triumph. Thus, the essay will analyze specific questions on their effectiveness to successfully perform strategic decisions.
Asking questions instead of rushing into impulsive decisions not only prevents hazardous mistakes but also opens a new perspective on the issues, needed to be solved. Questioning and deeply analyzing upraising problems forces leaders to reconsider their superficial assumptions and see the most feasible solution. “Who, what, why, where, when, and how much?” allow to refine the process and develop an inclusive solution that would not be visible at first.
At times certain questions introduced by the executives interfere with finding the right or more innovative solutions. Questions such as “How can we do that?” instead of “Why can’t we do that?” open a new affirmative way of thinking, initializing a creative process. The influence of assertive questions is frequently undermined, while negative ones deprive the leaders of solutions, rather revealing the reasons for the inability to perform specific actions.
Articulating a question that provides alternatives strengthens the procedure of strategic decision-making. Looking for superior information regarding the topic and stating analytical problems to develop a broader view will open new options that may become the best solution. The researchers define effective decision-making as processes where commitments to future states of affairs or future actions are sought (Aritz et al., 2017). Thus, asking “What else could we do?” allows for seeing the future of the plan, providing more room for critical thinking.
Asking pivotal questions in the strategic decision-making process is vital to the future of the project and the company’s triumph or failure. All the mentioned above questions are useful in internal analysis, as they provide more details on the process of decision-making. They also allow discovering new perspectives of the issue, consequently leading to a better solution. Leaders must start putting a more profound meaning into the process of dealing with uncertainties and see whether they are on a sufficient path through correct questions. Wondering what can happen in the future involves imagination and curiosity; thus, applying team efforts in such procedures may help formulate valid questions, consequently discovering the best decisions.
Reference
Aritz, J., Walker, R., Cardon, P., & Li, Z. (2017). Discourse of leadership: The power of questions in organizational decision-making. International Journal of Business Communication, 54(2), 161–181.