Decision-Making Skills for Digital Leaders

If I were building a future-ready team or career today, these are the skillsets I’d invest in—because they’re becoming non-negotiable: 1. Cognitive and Critical Thinking Skills 90% of executives believe that employees with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills will become more valuable as AI advances. (IBM Institute for Business Value) Systems Thinking → Choose a recurring problem at work and diagram all the people, tools, and processes involved using Miro. Look for one unseen link or feedback loop that might be the real source of friction. First-Principles Thinking → Take a common assumption in your field (e.g., “Clients want speed over depth”) and ask: Why? Is that always true? What if the opposite were true? Challenge it until a new solution emerges. Cognitive Flexibility → Spend one hour each week exploring a field outside your own—read a design blog if you’re in finance, or a scientific paper if you’re in marketing—then ask how that lens might shift your current project. Data Interpretation & Judgment → Next time you use AI for data analysis, don’t just look at the outputs. Write down what you conclude—and what decision you would make if the AI’s results were wrong. 2. Identity and Self-Management Self-management skills drive a 23% boost in productivity (ResearchGate) Self-Awareness & Brand Alignment → Google yourself, read your LinkedIn bio, and check your last 5 emails or Slack threads. Then ask: Would I hire or trust this version of me? Rewrite one piece of your digital identity to better match your values. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) → Set a daily timer at 2PM. When it goes off, take 60 seconds to name how you feel and why—no fixing, just naming. Over time, patterns will emerge that you can actually work with. Attention Management → Block 90 minutes a day for deep work. During that time, turn off notifications, set your phone across the room, and write down one thing you want to think through—no multitasking allowed. 3. Creativity & Storytelling 60% of CEOs say creativity is the most important leadership quality, more than integrity or global thinking. (IBM Global CEO Study) Narrative Crafting → Use AI to generate a rough outline or draft of a story, pitch, or proposal. Then rewrite it by adding personal anecdotes, unique insights, and contextual nuance that only you could bring. Design Thinking → Ask a customer, colleague, or end user: “What’s the most frustrating part of this process for you?” Sketch one solution on paper—even if it’s messy—and test it with them tomorrow. Idea Synthesis → Choose one article from science, one piece of art, and one business trend. Write a paragraph connecting them into a single insight. This mental exercise builds the muscle of innovation. Which of these skills are you already building? Which one’s next on your list? Let me know in the comments! #AI #CognitiveSkills #DigitalPresence

Good morning LinkedIn. I was inspired to write this post over the weekend after a conversation in Brooklyn with a friend. I’m constantly evaluating business models and technologies that could reshape how modern finance works and how we serve our community. My friend and I were discussing the potential of tokenized assets to streamline cross-border exchanges and empower local economies. We both agreed on the promise but we also recognized the complexity: regulatory uncertainties, user adoption hurdles, and the need to maintain trust at every step. It became evident that two overarching leadership qualities help navigate these challenges: 1. Human-Centered Leadership: Involves empathy for stakeholders, transparent communication, and collaborative leadership. It ensures that both excitement and concerns around new technologies are acknowledged, fostering trust, engagement, and productive dialogue. 2. Discernment: Centers on people-first decision-making, a long-term perspective and shared responsibility. It focuses on how each initiative aligns with core values and the broader community’s well-being, guiding decisions that prioritize sustainable and responsible outcomes. In my experience, successful innovation is rarely just about technological breakthroughs. It’s also about anticipating how individuals—from customers to team members—will respond to change. Innovation is a people not a technology business. Let me give you an example of what truly guides my decision making in what I see as Human-Centered Leadership meets Discernment. A few months ago, we evaluated an approach to a digital assets platforms running on the network. Some colleagues were eager to implement it due to its potential while others had concerns about operational impacts and risks. Human-Centered Leadership in Action: We organized listening sessions and demos, creating space for open dialogue. This process transformed skepticism into constructive feedback and built collective buy-in across the team. Discernment in Action: We planned on a phased rollout scenario rather than a full-scale launch. This measured approach allowed us to refine the platform quickly while ensuring that our community’s needs and trust remained at the core of every decision. At Swift where we prioritizes collaboration and community, progress isn’t measured by how quickly we adopt the latest tech—it’s measured by the trust we continue to built along the way. Human-centered leadership helps us understand and address concerns while discernment ensures our vision remains aligned with long-term objectives that serve the greater good. By combining these two approaches, we can confidently explore digital assets in a way that uplifts people, maintains trust, and fosters lasting collaboration. The future of finance should be more than just innovative—it should be human, responsible, and collaborative. #PeopleFirstInnovation #DigitalAssets #FutureOfFinance

AI isn't just changing work. It's redefining leadership. 5 skills every leader needs in the digital age: Yesterday's playbook is obsolete. Tomorrow's leaders need a new toolkit. Here's how to stay ahead: ▶️ 1. Quick Thinking, Faster Acting The 5-year plan is dead. Think on your feet. · Use AI to spot trends before they hit · Turn monthly meetings into weekly sprints · Mix teams up to spark fresh ideas Try this: Play "What if?" once a month. Imagine wild scenarios for your industry. ▶️ 2. Tech-Savvy (No Coding Required) You don't need to build AI. Just know how to use it. · Test new apps like you're a curious teenager · Grab coffee with the IT crowd regularly · Jump into online communities about future tech Challenge: Explain ChatGPT to your mom this weekend. ▶️ 3. Digital Ethics Champion As tech gets smarter, we need to get wiser. · Form a diverse group to check new tech for fairness · Make it easy for employees to flag AI concerns · Always ask: "Could this hurt someone?" Key Question: "What's the worst way someone could use this?" ▶️ 4. Human + AI Teamwork It's not us vs. robots. It's us + robots. · List tasks where AI helps vs. where humans shine · Train your team to work alongside AI tools · Create spaces where people and tech mix naturally Experiment: Solve a problem with and without AI. What's different? ▶️ 5. Master of Unlearning Forget "always learning." Start "always questioning." · Have a "spring cleaning" for old ideas quarterly · Surround yourself with people who challenge you · Turn letting go of outdated methods into a game Pro Move: Hold monthly "Idea Funerals." Bury old ways of thinking. Remember: Tech moves fast. People need time. Great leaders balance new tools with timeless people skills. Your job? Guide your team through the AI revolution with confidence. What leadership skill do you think is most crucial today? Share your thoughts in the comments ⬇️ Thanks for reading! If you found this valuable: • Repost for your network ♻️ • Follow me for more deep dives • Join our 300K+ community https://lnkd.in/eDYX4v_9 for more on the future of API, AI, and tech The future is connected. Become a part of it.

Decisions, decisions, decisions… As leaders, a large part of our role comprises making and communicating decisions, and how our performance is perceived by others is driven by how effective we are at making decisions and by the quality of the outcomes stemming from them. Of course we are all aware of this, and so we can sometimes lose sight of the nature of some of the decisions we are faced with and the optimal approach to making and sharing them. We can feel pressured to treat every decison as an urgent or emergent one, and worry that deferring a decision, or changing one already made for that matter, can make us appear weak or ineffective, while making an immediate decision and sticking to it may make us appear strong and ‘decisive.’ It is true that in some circumstances any decision is better than no decision, as in these situations making any decision unlocks a flow of information that enables rapid course correction and convergence on an optimal outcome - however, when making this type of decision, it is essential that its exploratory nature and the probability of susbequent course correction is understood and fully communicated at the point of decision. It is also true that in some circumstances decisions absolutely must be made right now, usually because the context is emergent and the outcome critical. In these situations, delay is suboptimal and potentially catastrophic, to the extent that the risk of a suboptimal decision is less impactful than the risks arising from delay. In these situations, the critical nature of the decision and the acceptability of imperfect outcomes should be fully understood and properly communicated at the point of decision. Often though, allowing a situation to develop or a context to emerge facilitates optimal decision making and secures a better outcome. In these situations, which for many leaders form the majority of decisons they need to make, it is important to remember that a decision to wait is in itself a positive decision, and is neither weak nor indecisive. The decision to delay, the rationale for the decision, and what needs to be true for a final decision to be made, should all be properly communicated at the point of decision. The key decision skills leaders should focus on developing are; (i) distinguishing between these three types of decision opportunities; (ii) treating each appropriately; (iii) properly and timely communicating the rationale for the selected approach.

In the world of leadership, making tough calls is inevitable, especially in times of uncertainty. Effective decision-making is a critical skill that can make or break a leader's success. Here are some strategies that have proven effective in my journey and can help you navigate the most challenging decisions: 1. Adopt a Robust Framework - OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act): This framework encourages rapid assessment and adaptation to changing conditions. It helps leaders stay agile and responsive. - Decision Matrix: Evaluate options based on criteria such as impact, feasibility, and alignment with organizational goals. This structured approach ensures comprehensive evaluation. 2. Balance Data and Intuition - Data-Driven Insights: Leverage data analytics to inform your decisions. However, don’t underestimate the power of your intuition, honed through experience and deep understanding of your field. - Scenario Analysis: Develop and analyze multiple scenarios to prepare for various potential outcomes. This helps in making informed decisions even in uncertain environments. 3. Engage a Diverse Advisory Group - Diverse Perspectives: Surround yourself with advisors from different backgrounds and expertise. Their varied viewpoints can uncover blind spots and offer innovative solutions. - Collaborative Decision-Making: Involve your team in the decision-making process. Collaboration fosters buy-in and leverages collective intelligence. 4. Maintain Flexibility and Agility - Iterative Approach: Break down decisions into smaller, manageable parts. This allows for adjustments based on feedback and evolving circumstances. - Pivot When Necessary: Be prepared to pivot if the situation demands it. Flexibility is crucial in navigating the complexities of the business landscape. 5. Focus on Long-Term Vision - Alignment with Vision: Ensure that your decisions align with the long-term vision and strategic goals of your organization. This keeps you on the right track even when immediate circumstances are challenging. - Sustainable Solutions: Aim for decisions that provide long-term value rather than quick fixes. 6. Reflect and Learn - Post-Mortem Analysis: After major decisions, conduct a thorough analysis to understand what worked and what didn’t. This continuous learning loop improves future decision-making. - Celebrate Successes and Learn from Failures: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, but also embrace failures as learning opportunities. What strategies have you found effective in making tough decisions? #Leadership #DecisionMaking #StrategicThinking #ValueCreation #Entrepreneurship #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #ConstructiveRebels

➡️Are your leadership decisions structured or reactive? ➡️Do you find yourself stuck in decision fatigue, struggling with competing priorities? ➡️Want to know how high-impact leaders cut through the noise and make strategic, confident choices? I just published a new article sharing proven decision-making frameworks that top leaders use to navigate complexity and drive results. These models have helped me lead high-performing teams in healthcare and beyond—and now, I’m sharing them with you. Inside the article, you’ll discover: ✅ The OODA Loop—Make rapid, informed decisions in fast-paced environments. ✅ The Eisenhower Matrix—Prioritize tasks like a pro and eliminate time-wasters. ✅ The SWOT Analysis—See the bigger picture before making key strategic moves. ✅ The 5 Whys—Uncover the root cause of recurring problems and solve them for good. ✅ How to choose the right framework for the right situation! Decision-making is a skill you can master. When you apply the right framework at the right time, you gain clarity, confidence, and better outcomes. Which decision-making framework do you use the most? #Leadershiptidbits #CareerGrowth #StandOutWithIntent #LeadershipDevelopment

This will transform how you make decisions: I used to think decision-making was about Having all the information before choosing. Then I watched a leader navigate a crisis with incomplete data, And I realized I had it completely backward. Strategic decision-making isn't about perfect information. It's about mastering seven core capacities. The most powerful decision-making advantage is having Mental frameworks that protect you from cognitive overload. Most leaders burn out on decision fatigue. Strategic decision-makers build systems that preserve their energy. Here's my framework for strategic decision-making: ✅ Emotional Regulation: → Recognize decision fatigue before it impacts judgment → Separate facts from emotional reactions in high-stakes moments ✅ Perspective Taking: → Ask "What can this teach us?" not "Who's to blame?" → Use scenario planning to explore multiple pathways ✅ Adaptive Capacity: → Test small decisions before big commitments → Build contingency plans for every major choice ✅ Social Capital: → Invest in advisory relationships before you need them ✅ Energy Management: → Block 2-3 weekly 90-minute "deep thinking" sessions → Protect your peak morning hours for complex decisions → Design systems that automate routine choices ✅ Meaning Making: → Revisit your "why" before major decisions → Use the "Shoreline Strategy" — define lasting impact first → Frame setbacks as learning experiences, not failures ✅ Systems Thinking: → Focus on the 20% of decisions that drive 80% of results I stopped drowning in decisions and started leading with clarity. My choices became more consistent because they were built on proven frameworks, not reactive impulses. When someone brings me a new demand, I don't say "no." I present two data-driven options: Positioning myself as a strategic problem-solver. Your decision-making power isn't about having more time. It's about having better cognitive architecture. That is amplified leadership in action. If you want to amplify your leadership efforts, subscribe for free here: read.drdegnan.com

Bad decision processes can turn your team into a zoo: 🦛 HiPPOs (Highest-Paid Person's Opinion) crush ideas 🦓 ZEBRAs (Zero Evidence But Really Arrogant) run wild In an AI-driven world, excellent decision making is the one strategic edge humans must preserve. 4 powerful decision-making models every leader needs: 1️⃣ McKinsey DARE Framework Clarify roles. Execute flawlessly. — D: Deciders — A: Advisors — R: Recommenders — E: Execution stakeholders No more confusion about who does what. 2️⃣ Six Thinking Hats (Based on the work of Edward de Bono) Explore problems from multiple perspectives. — White Hat: Facts and information — Red Hat: Emotions and intuition — Black Hat: Risks and challenges — Yellow Hat: Benefits and optimism — Green Hat: Creativity and new ideas — Blue Hat: Process and control Comprehensive analysis, balanced decision-making. 3️⃣ Square's SPADE Framework (Based on the work of Gokul Rajaram) Drive difficult decisions intentionally. — Setting — People — Alternatives — Decide — Explain Collaborative decisions, crystal-clear communication. 4️⃣ Gradients of Agreement Model (Based on the work of Sam Kaner) Not every "yes" is created equal. Understand true team alignment: — Full agreement — Agreement with minor reservations — Support with reservations — Abstain — More discussion needed — Not in favor, but will support — Serious disagreement — Veto Spot potential roadblocks before they derail you. The best leaders don't just make decisions. They institute systems for sound decisions. Which framework would transform your team's impact? ♻️ Find this valuable? Repost to help others. Follow Vince Jeong for posts on leadership, learning, and excellence. 📌 Want free PDFs of this and my top cheat sheets? You can find them here: https://lnkd.in/g2t-cU8P Hi 👋 I'm Vince, CEO of Sparkwise. I help orgs scale excellence at a fraction of the cost by automating live group learning, practice, and application. Check out our topic library: https://lnkd.in/gKbXp_Av

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” This old adage highlights the critical need for direction and clarity in leadership, especially when navigating the decision-making process. In leadership, knowing your destination isn't enough; you need to anticipate potential hurdles, gauge your pace, and identify the resources you might need along the way. Here’s some insight into how I approach decision-making, particularly when the stakes are high: 𝟏. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬: Start by brainstorming at least three potential courses of action. This encourages creative thinking and ensures that you're not missing any potential solutions by looking at the issue from multiple angles. 𝟐. 𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲: Next, my team and I dissect the pros and cons of each alternative. This step is crucial for a balanced view, helping to understand not just the immediate benefits but also the long-term implications of each option. 𝟑. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐥’𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞: We designate one team member as the “cynic”—someone tasked specifically with identifying potential flaws in each plan. This role rotates to prevent bias and keep the critique as objective and rejuvenating as possible. 𝟒. 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: After thorough individual analysis, we come together as a team to discuss each alternative. Everyone is encouraged to express their thoughts and concerns, fostering a culture of open communication and collective intelligence. 𝟓. 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Armed with detailed insights and team feedback, the team typically reaches consensus. If it is a tie, or at a minimum, no consensus, then in my role as CEO, I will get an extra vote and make the final decision. This step is about synthesizing all the information gathered, assessing which option aligns best with our strategic objectives, and taking a step forward with conviction. This structured approach doesn’t just aid in navigating through complex decisions; it also fosters a culture of thorough analysis, mutual respect, and shared responsibility among the team. Making decisions in leadership is about more than just choosing a path—it's about making sure it’s the right one for your team and your goals.   #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Mentorship #DecisionMaking #CEO

Everyone says great leaders always have a clear plan… But here’s the truth: They are not scared about being wrong if the plan doesn't work out. They just know how to make decisions with incomplete information—and that’s what keeps businesses moving forward. The biggest lie in leadership is that you need perfect data, a risk-free environment, and an elaborate plan before making a move. That’s not how great leaders work—especially in this new digital age when we are building products faster and technology in evolving at a rapid pace. Because here’s the thing: 🚀 Transformation is fast. If you wait for the perfect moment, the moment is gone. Just an Example: Think about Netflix. When they transitioned from DVDs to streaming, there was no guarantee it would work. But they made a call, adapted fast, and reshaped an entire industry. The best leaders: ✅ Make fast, data-informed decisions ✅ Course-correct quickly ✅ Adapt regularly ✅ Trust that failure is just a pivot point ✅ Most importantly, they trust themselves But remember, good leadership starts with self. Start applying these concepts to your career and business. Failure is practice. Trusting yourself is practice. These are the skills that never go outta style.