Advice from an ex-Marine officer on making tough decisions

It is difficult for leaders to make tough decisions; some will often abandon their responsibility because they don't want to act on a tough decision or carry the load of the outcome.

Good leaders will remember that they have the responsibility and the obligation to use their authority judiciously and decisively.

• Dealing with hard decisions is an obligation. When you accepted the mantle of leadership, you accepted the authority and the responsibility.
• You can't hope the issue will resolve itself. When leaders don't want to take ownership of the outcome, their indecision can consume the organization and prevent growth, effectiveness, innovation, and morale.
• It takes moral courage doing something that will adversely impact an individual's career or telling the boss something they don't want to hear.
• You'll get better at making hard choices.