Mastering Business Leadership: Decision Making, Project Management and Consultants

Posted by Kimberly Logsdon on September 17, 2024 in Veterans

In the game of business leadership, the ability to make sound decisions, manage projects efficiently, and enlist the proper external support can make all the difference between success and defeat. 

In this Veteran Led Podcast, we talked with Kandis Porter, a former Air Force officer, seasoned project management expert, and co-author of Good Decisions Equal Success. We discuss the complexities of decision-making, project management, and consultant selection. 

Mastering the High Stakes of Decision-Making

In the military, split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death. While the stakes may not always be as dire in the business world, the impact of poor choices can still ripple through an organization, leaving a trail of missed opportunities, wasted resources, and demoralized teams. 

As Kandis states, “Not all good processes lead to good outcomes, but bad decisions will always catch up.” Veteran leadership really makes a difference when we are talking business.  

The Decision Making Process 

So, how do we fortify our decision-making prowess? First, we must recognize that not all decisions are created equal. 

Some are routine, inconsequential choices – what to wear, what to eat for lunch. Others are “high impact” decisions that carry significant consequences for the organization. 

Defining what constitutes a high-impact decision in the context of your specific organization is crucial. A million-dollar decision might be a game-changer for a small business, while a billion-dollar corporation might consider it business as usual. 

Once we’ve identified the high-stakes decisions, we must establish a clear framework for navigating them.  

Kandis advocates for the DAI model, ensuring everyone understands their role in the process: the Decision-maker, the Input Providers, the Driver of the Decision, and the Implementer. This clarity eliminates confusion and empowers teams to move forward decisively. 

Decision Making and Management Are Not Always Easy 

Decision-making isn’t always a linear process. Sometimes, we get bogged down in analysis paralysis, endlessly seeking more information and delaying action. 

To combat this, Kandis recommends “timeboxing,” setting a firm deadline for making a decision with the information at hand. This injects a sense of urgency and prevents teams from getting stuck in the mud. 

The Unknowns of Project Management 

But what about those “unknown unknowns” – the blind spots we’re not even aware of? Kandis suggests proactively addressing this by listing and stress-testing assumptions. This allows us to uncover potential pitfalls and adjust our course if needed. 

And then there’s the gut feeling–the intuition that whispers in our ears. Should we heed it? As Kandis explains, our subconscious mind is a powerful tool, processing information at lightning speed. 

While it’s essential to engage our rational minds for complex business decisions, we shouldn’t dismiss our intuition entirely. It’s about finding the right balance. 

Finally, Kandis emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making, drawing from her experience as an Air Force weather forecaster. Analyzing data objectively, avoiding confirmation bias, and understanding cognitive biases are vital for making informed choices. 

Project Management – The Backbone of Success 

In the intricate dance of organizational growth, projects are the choreographed steps that propel us forward. 

But without effective project management, these steps can quickly devolve into a chaotic stumble. As Kandis aptly puts it, “Projects are typically undertaken when there’s a problem to be solved or an opportunity to seize.” 

Tailoring to Your Project Management Needs 

So, how do we ensure our projects stay on track and deliver the desired outcomes? Kandis advocates for establishing a Project Management Office (PMO), a central hub for standardizing project initiation, planning, execution, and closure. 

This creates a consistent framework for measuring progress, managing resources, and ultimately achieving success. 

But when does an organization need a dedicated PMO? Smaller organizations benefit from a single project manager, while larger enterprises require a full-fledged PMO. 

It’s about tailoring the approach to your specific needs and ensuring projects align with the organization’s overall strategic goals. 

And then there’s the question of consultants. When is the time to bring in external expertise? How do we ensure we’re hiring the right people? 

A trial period to assess whether the consultant is a good fit for your organization’s culture and needs is the best plan. Kandis also recommends getting multiple quotes and doing your homework to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the consultant’s expertise. 

Effective Veteran Leadership = Effective Project Management 

Ultimately, effective leadership requires a multifaceted approach. From making sound decisions to managing projects efficiently and enlisting the right external support, every piece of the puzzle contributes to the overall success of the mission. 

Kandis Porter’s insights, gleaned from her military experience and years of expertise, offer a valuable roadmap for navigating the complexities of leadership. 

Listen to the full Veteran Led podcast episode for more in-depth insights and actionable advice from leaders and business experts.