All entrepreneurs must make decisions dozens of times during every day. Those decisions will make or break a business. The how we make decisions - the when we make decisions -and the way we make decisions stems from our self confidence.
Do we believe in our inner voice? Do we believe in our ability to be right? Have we been told often enough that we are smart enough and have what it takes to choose the right direction to succeed.
Too often our society values men's voices over women. And, before you scream "male basher" think about all the times you've blurted out a suggestion only to have it parroted more loudly by a male participant who then gets applauded as a genius. Yes, this continues to happen in 2011, and although it does not mean that women cannot lead it does affect their confidence to lead.
Self confidence is acquired early on and develops over time. The more often we make decisions that are valued the more often we believe in our decision-making ability. If your parents allowed you to make choices when you were a child than you are more likely to risk making decisions as an adult -- and, more importantly, as an entrepreneur. Decision-making means taking a risk. If being right is more important to you than moving forward you probably have a decision-making problem. Our gut instincts are established early.
Take a moment now to think of an example of a recent business decision you needed to make. For example, you are in desperate need of a new assistant. You have interviewed several individuals for the position. Your gut tells you how you feel about each one. The one that has the most impressive resume and the positive recommendations makes you feel uncomfortable at your first meeting. What is your response to this gut response?
(a) It must be me. I'm not a good judge of character.
(b) (S)he must be the best choice because everyone whose opinion I value thinks so.
(c) Maybe (s)he had a bad day and our chemistry was just off.
(d) I don't have to make this decision now. I'll just think about it for awhile.
(e) I wouldn't make this hire if (s)he were the last person on earth. I don't care how good the resume and recommendations are. I know best!
You already know where I'm going here. First, allowing the opinions of others to persuade you when your gut tells you something else will NEVER be the right way to make a decision. And, second, putting off a decision that needs to be made will only jeopardize your small business.
So, if decision-making is a problem for you start practicing today to listen to your gut. With all the talk about the fact that women generally spend too much time feeling rather than thinking this is exactly the talent needed to go with your gut. Your gut WILL tell you which direction to take. The most important thing every businesswoman must do for herself is to believe in her power to make the right decisions.
