What do you do if your decisions as an executive don't align with the organization's goals and values?

1 Identify the source of misalignment

The first step is to identify why your decisions don't align with the organization's goals and values. Is it because you have a different vision, perspective, or preference than the rest of the leadership team? Is it because you are not aware of or informed about the organization's goals and values? Is it because you disagree with or question the organization's goals and values? Or is it because the organization's goals and values have changed or become unclear over time? By understanding the source of misalignment, you can better address it and communicate your rationale.

2 Seek feedback and input

The second step is to seek feedback and input from others who are affected by or involved in your decisions. This could include your peers, subordinates, superiors, clients, partners, or stakeholders. By listening to their opinions, concerns, and suggestions, you can gain valuable insights, perspectives, and information that can help you refine, justify, or revise your decisions. You can also build trust, rapport, and collaboration by showing respect, openness, and curiosity.

3 Align your decisions with your values

The third step is to align your decisions with your own values and principles. As an executive, you have a responsibility to act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism. You also have a personal code of ethics that guides your actions and choices. Therefore, you should make sure that your decisions reflect your values and do not compromise your character or reputation. If you find yourself in a situation where your decisions conflict with your values, you should reconsider your options and seek alternatives.

4 Explain your decisions with evidence

The fourth step is to explain your decisions with evidence and logic. As an executive, you have to justify and defend your decisions to various audiences, such as your boss, board, team, media, or public. You should be prepared to provide clear, concise, and convincing reasons for your decisions, backed by facts, data, and analysis. You should also anticipate and address potential objections, questions, or criticisms that may arise from your decisions. By explaining your decisions with evidence, you can demonstrate your competence, confidence, and credibility.

5 Evaluate your decisions with outcomes

The fifth step is to evaluate your decisions with outcomes and feedback. As an executive, you have to monitor and measure the impact and results of your decisions on the organization's performance, culture, and reputation. You should use relevant indicators, metrics, and benchmarks to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of your decisions. You should also solicit and receive feedback from various sources, such as surveys, reviews, reports, or testimonials. By evaluating your decisions with outcomes, you can learn from your successes and failures, and improve your decision-making skills.

6 Adapt your decisions with changes

The sixth step is to adapt your decisions with changes and new information. As an executive, you have to deal with a dynamic and complex environment that may require you to adjust, modify, or reverse your decisions. You should be flexible, agile, and responsive to the changing needs, expectations, and opportunities of your organization and its stakeholders. You should also be willing to admit and correct your mistakes, and acknowledge and appreciate your achievements. By adapting your decisions with changes, you can show your resilience, innovation, and leadership.