Entrepreneur | SeibCo, LLC

What Happens When You Make Assumptions?

July 24, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Making assumptions hurts performance, effectiveness, and profitability.” Jeannette Seibly

“You think someone ignored your email. Turns out it landed in spam.”

“You believe someone is upset with you because they didn’t return your call. Turns out they didn’t get it.”

This common occurrence can limit your effectiveness as a leader, boss, influencer, or team contributor.

⚠️ What happens when you create false narratives:

You limit your ability to influence.
You allow the assumption to lead to misunderstandings and missed chances.
You erode trust and connection – your boss, co-workers, and clients no longer trust in your leadership.

🔄 Why We Do It

Your mind fills in the blanks quickly and you believe your perceptions to be the truth.
You base it on past experiences, not current facts.
You’re driven by emotion more than logic.

💬 What Can You Do Instead

Follow-up and ask instead of guessing.
If you called, send an email. If you sent an email, call. Leave a post it reminder.
Ask open-ended questions to learn the truth.

✅ Assumptions are normal—but unchecked, they cloud judgment. “Slow down. Ask. Understand. Clarity leads to better working relationships and results.”

🔗 Ready to initiate your next chapter—or refine your role as a powerful contributor? I specialize in coaching leaders who are ready to build legacies, embrace reinvention, and lead with clarity. Let’s talk about what’s next for you.

👉 Contact me for a confidential conversation.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, bosses, and leaders to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

🧭 How to Reduce the High Cost of a Poorly Designed Job Fit Selection System

July 21, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Poor fit isn’t just inconvenient—it’s disruptive to morale, momentum, and mission.” Jeannette Seibly

Hiring isn’t just about filling a role—it’s about shaping the future of your organization. When leaders rely on outdated or misaligned selection systems, they invite costly consequences that echo across departments, customer relationships, and organizational culture. A poor fit isn’t just inconvenient—it’s disruptive to morale, momentum, and mission.

When organizations rely on flawed selection processes, the ripple effects extend far beyond hiring missteps:

🚫 Overlooked Talent: Qualified candidates are often missed due to vague criteria or unconscious bias.
📉 Lost Loyalty: Customers leave when service suffers from underqualified or mismatched employees.
💸 Financial & Legal Risk: Frequent hiring and firing cycles damage reputation, increase turnover costs, and heighten liability concerns.
🧠 Bias-Driven Choices: Selection decisions reflect unresolved beliefs and emotional residue, not data-driven clarity.

💡 How to Improve Hiring Precision and Integrity

To build a hiring process that honors both excellence and equity:

🎯 Clarify the Role: Develop clear job specifications and descriptions to define success on the job—not just tasks, but traits and mindset.
🛠️ Use Validated Tools: Employ legally compliant, scientifically sound assessments and structured interviews for hiring, promotions, and transitions.
🔍 Treat Intuition as a Signal, Not the Verdict: Gut instincts offer clues, but they can’t answer who, what, where, when, or why. Let data and dialogue do the heavy lifting.
📅 Prioritize Onboarding: Even returning employees (Boomerangs) need a fresh launch. A 180-Day Plan ensures integration, accountability, and cultural alignment. (See Hire Amazing Employees, Chapter 6 for practical tools.)

🧩 In Summary

A well-designed job fit system is a leadership imperative. When we align roles, tools, and onboarding strategies with clear standards and inclusive practices, we create space for true potential to emerge. The payoff? Stronger teams, greater customer trust, and a workplace built on confidence—not guesswork.

5 Reasons to Be Cautious When Rehiring Boomerangs

June 30, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Boomerang hiring is booming. The risk? Relying on memories instead of interviewing for current job fit.” Jeannette Seibly

Boomerang employees—those returning to a previous employer—now account for 35% of all new hires (ADP, March 2025), the highest on record.

They know the environment. That’s why boomerangs feel like low-risk, high-speed solutions to today’s talent gaps.

But before you roll out the red carpet, it’s worth pausing to ask: Is this a smart strategic decision—or a shortcut with long-term costs?

What’s Fueling the Boomerang Boom?

They know the ropes. Returning employees already understand the culture and systems, so they get up to speed faster.
The grass wasn’t greener. Many people who quit during the Great Resignation didn’t find what they hoped for, so they’re open to returning.
Remote work opens doors. Flexible options make coming back more appealing, especially if location is no longer a deal-breaker.
Smart exits lead to smart rehires. When co-workers, bosses, and leaders stay connected with former employees, it’s easy to invite top talent to come back.
It’s a sign of a strong culture. When people want to return, it usually means you’re doing something right.

Here are five ways to evaluate whether bringing back a boomerang will truly serve your team:

Memory is a poor strategist. Fond or negative recollections can cloud reality. Take the time to review performance evaluations, exit interview notes, and team feedback. Talk candidly with the former employee (and the person/people encouraging them to return). Why did they leave, and what’s changed? What new skills have they acquired? Have them share results of their improved communication, decision-making, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence skills. If you want alignment, don’t rely on nostalgia. Rely on clarity and open conversations.
Let data lead the way—especially around fit. Use tools like PXT Select to assess job fit, cognitive style, and occupational interests. Compare these critical traits against current role requirements. A returning employee may “know the ropes,” but that doesn’t guarantee alignment with today’s expectations. It’s better to hire with your eyes open than wish you had later.
Growth should be mutual. Boomerangs often return with expanded skills and broader perspectives. What can you offer them that justifies a return? What are their goals today? How can you support them in achieving them while getting the job done? Use this opportunity to explore career pathing and succession planning, ensuring both you and the employee see a future beyond the honeymoon.
Onboarding is still essential. Don’t skip reintegration. Provide a 180-day success plan (see Chapter 6, Hire Amazing Employees, 3rd Edition) that includes reconnecting with cross-functional teams and aligning with current systems, values, and practices. People change. Systems change. So do workplace cultures.
Start with meaningful conversations. Re-recruiting starts with curiosity, not assumptions. Have more than one conversation to ensure consistent responses by using a structured interview process. Ask what they’re looking for, what they’ve learned, and what would make this return meaningful. Avoid jumping into a salary negotiation—if compensation is the only motivator, you may set the stage for another early exit.

Grab her book, “Hire Amazing Employees,” and confidently use a strategic job fit selection system to ensure that returning former employees are placed in the right jobs.

Rebuilding Bridges: Working for a New Boss That Used to Work for You

June 24, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Company restructuring offers new opportunities to become a great leader, even when you have been replaced as the boss.” Jeannette Seibly

A restructuring has flipped the script—a former employee or co-worker you once ignored or disliked is now calling the shots as your new boss.

Your initial reaction? Dust off your resume or escalate concerns to upper management.

But before making an impulsive move, consider this: adapting to these changes presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate resilience, self-awareness, and leadership agility.

Successfully navigating this transition proves your ability to collaborate with anyone, under any circumstances—a desirable trait for all great leaders.

Tips to Develop a Positive Working Relationship

Acknowledge and Accept the Change

Extend a professional “congratulations” when the announcement is made. Words matter, but sincerity is key.
Proactively request a meeting to clarify expectations and roles due to the restructuring. Beware if the new boss insists there will be no changes—request the meeting to ensure alignment.
Set the tone for mutual respect—listening with intention fosters collaboration, regardless of past tensions.
Don’t expect instant rapport with the new boss. S/he may not readily trust you due to a lack of confidence or past interactions with you. Be patient and don’t undermine their progress.

Strengthen Professionalism and Awareness

Your biases, poor communication skills, and other bad habits may be why you were overlooked in the company restructuring. These must be addressed with your executive coach and therapist for you to excel.
This is a great opportunity for professional growth—attend workshops (and actively participate), engage in role-playing exercises, and listen to podcasts that sharpen emotional intelligence, adaptability, and objectivity.
Hire your own executive coach and use an objective job fit assessment to understand your inherent strengths and weaknesses. Confidentially, talk about how to become more effective.
Remember, awareness alone doesn’t drive change—your leadership style must visibly shift through consistent actions.
Be open to receiving feedback and coaching from the new boss, even when you disagree. Ask open-ended questions to discern the true issue.

Develop a Growth Mindset

It’s a new day when a company restructures (or is sold). It’s important to be a team player and stop participating in toxic factions or discriminatory cliques (inside and outside the company) that want to hold on to the old way of doing business.
Build emotional integrity: Demonstrating personal accountability signals to upper management that you’re invested in long-term success and future leadership opportunities.
Find an internal corporate or industry mentor to guide you through the restructuring, new working relationships, and new issues.

Rebuild Trust, If Possible

Reliability is key—consistently deliver on commitments and communicate challenges transparently.
Seek guidance from the new boss, even on familiar situations. These interactions offer fresh perspectives and demonstrate respect.
Support the new boss’s success, especially when s/he makes mistakes or poor decisions. Remember, your words and actions speak loudly.
Be an advocate if your former team members are struggling. Talk 1:1 with the new boss and encourage team members to do the same.
If met with cool indifference, remain professional—time and consistency will determine whether trust can be rebuilt.
Steer clear of office gossip. Instead, publicly support your new boss and contribute to a culture of collaboration.

Apply These Lessons for Long-Term Growth

Shift focus to measurable contributions: add value, showcase strengths, and position yourself as a team player despite company changes.
Leverage this experience to deepen your understanding of workplace dynamics and to mitigate biases. Learning how to work with and through others for team success is important.
Demonstrate ethical leadership and an inclusive mindset—your actions reinforce your credibility and growth.

Leadership is about navigating challenges, adapting with integrity, and fostering alignment. Embrace it. This can be your golden opportunity to elevate, expand, and excel your leadership.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate their performance and reach new heights.

Grab her book, “Hire Amazing Employees,” and confidently redesign and use a strategic selection system to ensure people are placed in the right jobs.

How to Get Past Failure and Move Forward with Confidence

June 17, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

We’ve all faced setbacks—some were frustrating, others downright humiliating. But instead of retreating and hoping no one notices (they will), the key is to get into action. Failure isn’t a dead end; it’s a detour that redirects you toward better results.

6 Steps to Regain Focus and Drive Success

Reflect with Purpose. Complete the What Worked? / What Didn’t Work? exercise individually, then bring your team together to share insights. This ensures learning, not blame.
Extract Lessons & Adjust. Ask: What did we learn? What can we do differently? Example: If you went over budget, assign clear financial oversight next time. Remember, the key is to tell the truth.
Acknowledge Contributions. Go around the virtual table and recognize each person’s successes. Failure doesn’t erase progress—celebrate what worked and what was learned!
Engage in Honest Conversations. If the failure impacted customers or employees, address it directly. No excuses—just listen, learn, and align on next steps.
Prioritize Alignment Over Consensus. Waiting for full agreement as to what to do next is a fool’s game. Get alignment, make decisions, and move forward. Momentum matters.
Take Action—Now Stop searching for an escape route. Action builds resilience and dissolves resistance. The sooner you move, the faster you recover.

Failure isn’t the end—it’s a pivot point. The faster you embrace it, the stronger your leadership becomes.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Goal Accomplished! Now What?

June 9, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Success brings momentum. Don’t waste it—use it to fuel your next win.” Jeannette Seibly

You did it! You reached your goal—woohoo! 🎉 Now what?

Celebrate! Take a moment to enjoy the win. Share it with your team, friends, and family.
Choose Your Next Goal. What’s next? Pick a new project or find out what your boss or customers need.
Keep Going! Momentum is key. Don’t slow down—build on your success.

8 Ways to Keep the Momentum Going

✅ What Worked? What Didn’t? This step is a must. Every win and every mistake or failure teaches you something. Use this at the start, middle, and end of any project.

✅ Brainstorm! Don’t assume you know the best way forward. Listen to ideas and provide a safe environment so team members are comfortable speaking up. A theme or solution will pop up, even off-the-wall ideas have merit.

✅ Don’t Fear Risk! Take wild ideas and find five reasons they could work. You don’t have to use them, but they’ll spark new solutions.

✅ Think Like a Winner! Worried about the “what ifs”? Breathe. Start with your goal, set a deadline, and work backward. Break it into smaller steps.

✅ Review Your Plan. Run it by your coach, mentor, or someone outside the project. Then, share it with your team and boss. Aim for alignment—not consensus. Otherwise, you’ll stall.

✅ Get to Work! Make a system to track your progress. When you hit a wall (and you will), talk it out! Use “What Worked? What Didn’t?” to find missing pieces.

✅ Make It Happen! Just planning isn’t enough. Execution takes effort. Have key conversations along the way to stay on track.

✅ Celebrate Again! Another win? YES! 🎉 Don’t forget:

Thank your team.
Update your brags.
Do another “What Worked? What Didn’t?” to wrap things up.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Do You Know How to Build a Robust Team?

June 2, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

A strong, adaptable team is the backbone of any successful organization. A robust team isn’t just made up of skilled individuals—it thrives on collaboration, problem-solving, and a shared commitment to growth.

Core Traits of a Robust Team:

Resilience – They adapt and maintain momentum despite setbacks.
Strong Communication – Open, honest dialogue fosters alignment.
Diverse Skill Sets – Varied expertise ensures dynamic problem-solving.
Accountability & Trust – Ownership and reliability strengthen cohesion.
Continuous Growth – Learning and adaptation prevent stagnation.

So, how do you build one?

Step 1: Hire with Intention

The hiring process is where it all begins. Selecting the right people using a job-fit selection system ensures the best match for the role, making this the least expensive place to get it right. Using tools that assess skills, job fit, and long-term potential sets the foundation for success.

Step 2: Onboard Effectively

Even the best hires need proper acclimation. Design an 180-day Success Plan (“Hire Amazing Employees” Chapter 6). This ensures you use a strong onboarding process that fosters confidence, alignment, and connection to the team’s mission. Without it, new employees risk feeling disconnected, which leads to early disengagement.

Step 3: Train Continuously

Continuous training keeps a team viable regardless of someone’s education and certifications. The best teams evolve alongside industry changes, ensuring they remain competitive and engaged. Training is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing investment.

Step 4: Coach for Growth

Not all leaders and managers are natural coaches, but coaching is essential for sustained success. If coaching isn’t your strength, hiring a coach can help bridge the gap. A strategic coach guides teams in overcoming challenges while keeping momentum strong.

Leadership coaching plays a crucial role in fostering these qualities. A robust team doesn’t just happen—it’s built intentionally, with emotional integrity, strategic clarity, and a culture that empowers individuals to contribute fully.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Are You Stuck? It’s Time to Move Forward!

May 26, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Everyone gets stuck! Moving forward requires taking actions that make it happen.” Jeannette Seibly

Do you remember watching Wile E. Coyote in those classic cartoons? No matter how many times he slammed into a wall, he’d shake it off, only to hit the same wall again. Over and over. No new results.

Lately, I’ve been speaking with business professionals, bosses, and leaders who feel stuck, waiting, and hoping for change. When asked what actions they’re taking to move forward, every single one said, “I’m waiting to see.”

Many of us do this, wait and see. Feeling stuck can be excruciating—whether you need money, a promotion, or a resolution to a family drama. But waiting isn’t the answer. Staying stagnant drains your inner power and confidence. It limits your choices. It keeps you playing small, hoping for the best.

Getting unstuck requires action, step by step.

Get Unstuck Today!

Recognize the “Grass is Greener” Syndrome

Comparing your job, life, or circumstances to others can spark jealousy or frustration. You start believing that life would be better if only you had what they have. But the truth is—the grass isn’t greener elsewhere. It’s just different.

The solution? Get into action. Meditate to maintain momentum, work with an experienced coach, and commit to the steps that move you forward.

Change Your Perspective—Shift Your Mindset

A CPA named Darla was once a great employee. Then, she became negative and disengaged. After reviewing her job fit results (she was a great fit), I asked, “What’s the problem?”

Her answer? “I want to travel.”

I replied, “Then aren’t you in a perfect job that allows you to do that? Your workload is heavy in the first quarter, but after that, you can schedule travel!”

She paused, then agreed. A simple mindset shift changed everything.

Know What True Job Fit Means

Over 80% of people are in jobs that don’t fit them (Gallup). Too many believe they can succeed in any job, but that’s just not reality.

We get stuck thinking we should be our own boss or that we could get rich using someone else’s game plan or blueprint. But here’s the thing—many employed people do make great money when they manage their career choices wisely and invest their money well.

Want clarity? Use a qualified job fit assessment and work with an experienced coach. Then, take action before fear, doubt, and anxiety creep in.

Expand Your Responsibilities—Not Your Busywork

This isn’t about piling on mindless tasks. Busywork creates boredom, frustration, and emptiness—the very essence of feeling stuck.

Instead, focus on work that naturally aligns with your thinking, core behaviors, and occupational interests. Expanding responsibilities the right way keeps you engaged.

Want a change? Develop your brag statements, then pitch the job shifts that will serve you and your company.

Work Smarter—Not Harder

It’s time to ditch the trial-and-error do-it-yourself approach. I know—you think you’ve got it handled. But if you stay stuck too long, or keep experimenting without direction, you’ll drain yourself emotionally and financially. The essence of staying stuck.

Work with a coach who specializes in moving people forward. Stop relying on friends who just tell you what you want to hear.

Take David—a former executive fired after 15 years. He spent five years chasing opportunities, trying new roles, even buying a franchise. Exhausted and financially strained, he finally reached out to his coach (me). That conversation changed everything.

Now? He’s thriving in a six-figure job he loves.

Break Through the Ceiling—Before You Jump

Feeling maxed out can push people toward drastic decisions—selling their business, quitting their job, moving, or retiring. But making choices while emotionally drained can limit opportunities.

Before you leap, take time to talk it out with a coach. Do the brag work. Use an objective job fit assessment to clarify where you excel in today’s business world.

One young woman was pressured by her father to work for him, despite her own career aspirations. She hired me, followed the steps outlined in this article, and made her move. Years later? She’s still making six figures and loving her life.

You Can Do It Too

It all starts with the courage to say: “Yes! My goals and my life matter.”

Now, take actions that make it happen.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Tackling People Problems: A Leadership Imperative

May 15, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Good leadership requires having tough conversations that address people challenges – if ignore, the consequences can be very costly.” Jeannette Seibly

Leaders who proactively address people problems cultivate trust, inclusion, and accountability. In turn, performance, profitability, and workplace cultures thrive.

Leadership is often defined by the ability to make tough decisions, yet addressing people-related challenges remains one of the most avoided tasks in management. Many leaders hesitate due to unconscious biases, emotional discomfort, or fear of repercussions. However, ignoring these issues only amplifies their negative effects—eroding employee and customer trust, damaging morale, and diminishing productivity.

7 Reasons Why Leaders Delay Addressing People Issues

Avoidance & Discomfort – Difficult conversations can be uncomfortable, causing even experienced leaders to procrastinate. Worse still, some deny the impact the issue has on the company, customers, and team members, which allows small problems to snowball into major disruptions.
Optimism Bias – Hoping a situation will resolve itself without intervention can result in costly top talent attrition and client loss. Leaders who delay or ignore taking action risk undermining their own credibility and the company’s reputation.
Lack of Clarity – Without clear expectations, leaders may hesitate to define damaging behavior, fearing they are overreacting. So, they choose to do nothing.
Fear of Fallout – Pushback, legal concerns, or interpersonal conflict can make action feel risky, even though inaction allows problems to escalate.
Time Constraints – Addressing people issues often takes a backseat until they become too big to ignore, leading to reactive, rather than proactive, leadership.
Emotional Bias – Leaders may struggle to hold accountable top performers and other employees they once favored or personally valued, leading to inequitable decision-making.
Lack of Skills or Support – Without structured tools and objective data for addressing conflict, leaders usually default to avoidance. If they rely on others to handle the situation, the problem often grows worse due to lack of agreement about the true issue.

The Solution: Tips to Resolve People Challenges

Leadership and employees thrive in a proactive workplace culture. Waiting too long to address and resolve people challenges erodes trust and weakens outcomes. Leaders must learn to strip away assumptions, biases, and excuses to tackle these issues directly. And, keep in mind this is not easy to do.

Here’s how to address people problems constructively:

Identify the Core Problem – Is the issue behavioral, a misalignment, or a leadership blind spot? Objective assessments, such as job-fit evaluations and qualified 360-degree feedback tools, can clarify the root cause with valid data.
Assess the Impact – Who is affected? How does the issue disrupt productivity, team dynamics, or organizational culture? While ignoring it will widen the ripple effect, misdiagnosing it can cause great harm too. Talk with one or two trusted confidants to broaden your perspective.
Challenge Avoidance Patterns – Leaders must remove emotional biases from their decision-making. Examples: 1) relying on the first piece of information or gossip without delving into the truth; 2) refusing to consider contradictory evidence; or 3) allowing the group’s bias to override the facts. Executive coaching and job-fit assessments can provide clarity, but decisive action based on facts remains key.
Reframe the Narrative – Instead of believing tough conversations are hard, reframe to: these conversations invest in your company’s long-term success. While discomfort is inevitable, accountability fosters growth. Partner with an experienced executive coach and consult an HR or a legal professional to navigate complexities effectively and with confidence.
Provide Coaching and Training – Structured feedback models, coaching techniques, and communication strategies build leaders’ confidence in handling people challenges. Communication, emotional intelligence and integrity, and other interpersonal training provides for a workplace culture of positive and constructive feedback for everyone.
Develop Accountability & Follow-Through – Addressing issues is only the first step. Consistent follow-up—through coaching, retraining, role transitions, and interpersonal skill development—ensures lasting change. Reinforcement builds trust and shows employees they are supported and that you care.

Final Thoughts

Leaders who proactively address people problems cultivate trust, inclusion, and accountability. In turn, performance, profitability, and workplace cultures thrive. Emotional integrity, constructive feedback, and structured problem-solving require stripping away assumptions and biases. By embracing clarity and decisive action, strong leaders foster workplaces that are equitable, resilient, and empowered.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.

Effective Decisions Require Navigating Through Uncertainty

May 12, 2025 by Jeannette Seibly

“Making win-win-win decisions can be the hardest part of being a great leader and boss.” Jeannette Seibly

Every leader encounters moments of hesitation when making critical decisions. Sometimes, we lack enough information and must rely on intuition. Other times, we’re buried in data, stuck in analysis paralysis. Neither scenario is inherently better, but both will stall progress. Leading effectively requires clarity, objectivity, and confidence.

Making win-win-win decisions isn’t a flawless process—it demands fearlessness in asking open-ended questions, listening, and applying discernment. Keeping people aligned, staying committed to your intention, and navigating time and budget constraints can challenge even the most seasoned leaders. While collaboration is essential, waiting for consensus can stall decision-making. True alignment requires finesse, and is a skill that must be learned.

It’s easy to forget that leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about making the best possible decision with the available information and, most importantly, effectively following through.

Common Decision-Making Roadblocks

Every leader faces hurdles in making effective decisions. These are some of the most frequent challenges:

Information Overload—When there is too much data, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters, leading to paralysis.
Fear of Failure – Worrying about mistakes or criticism can create hesitation and stall decisive action.
Emotional Bias – Personal feelings or outside pressures can cloud judgment, making it hard to stay objective.
Conflicting Priorities – Balancing short-term demands with long-term goals adds layers of complexity.
Lack of Clear Intent – Without a well-defined purpose, conversations spiral and decisions stall.
Perfectionism – The pressure to make the “perfect” choice can lead to excessive caution, sabotaging progress.

Overcoming these obstacles requires structure and intentionality. Leaders who stay focused, rely on clarity, and commit to action move forward with confidence.

Six Strategies for Making Effective Decisions

Clarify Your Intention. Start with a focused, actionable intention—keep it to 10 words or fewer. This keeps it free from emotional weight. For example, “Increase retention through job-fit assessments” is clear and measurable, while “Make everyone happy so they will stay” is vague and unrealistic. Your intention becomes the compass guiding your decisions.
Balance Objectivity with Facts. Don’t get distracted by flashy headlines or social media pundits—dig deeper to uncover the real story. Not all statistics are reliable (or legal), and not all data is relevant to your decision. Ask an expert, challenge assumptions, and focus on what truly matters.
Seek Focused Advice. Too many voices can create noise and confusion. Instead, turn to two or three trusted advisors with relevant expertise. Targeted insights sharpen your direction, while excessive consultation leads to confusion and paralysis.
Identify and Manage Emotional Bias. Emotions naturally influence decision-making, but unchecked, they can derail objectivity and cloud judgment. Common biases include:
- Over-Optimism – Ignoring risks in favor of best-case scenarios.
- Fear-Based Avoidance – Failure to face the issue head-on due to imagined criticism.
- People-Pleasing – Prioritizing others’ approval over making sound decisions.

Pause and reflect on what’s truly driving your hesitation. Use facts, seek diverse perspectives, and acknowledge emotions—without letting them take control.

Accept Trade-Offs and Keep Moving Forward. There’s no such thing as a perfect decision—every choice comes with trade-offs. Instead of fearing missteps, focus on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Progress is built on momentum, not a stop-start cycle fueled by fear, doubt, and hesitation.
Commit and Take Action. Good leadership requires movement. Once you’ve defined your intention, analyzed the data, gathered insights, and weighed your options, COMMIT. Now, take focused action. Insights are meaningless without execution. Confidence doesn’t come from waiting for certainty—it grows through decisive action, adaptability, and resilience.

Navigating through Uncertainty with Intention

Decision-making doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With structure and intention, you can move past fear and hesitation to make choices with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Every decision, whether perfect or not, is a step forward. It’s not about avoiding mistakes; it’s about learning, adapting, and forging ahead through uncertainty.

Jeannette Seibly, an award-winning Talent Advisor, Leadership Results Coach, and Business Author, specializes in delivering innovative solutions for hiring, coaching, and leadership challenges. Over the past 32 years, she has empowered business owners, executives, and managers to achieve remarkable success. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeannette champions those eager to elevate, expand, and excel in their results.