I've made many bad decisions in my leadership. Thankfully, the longer I lead, the more I develop warning signs I'm about to make another. I think these may apply to all leaders.

These aren't full proof. They don't mean you are definitely making a bad decision. But, they are hints you might and worth considering before you make the decision—especially major decisions.

Here are 7 hints you're about to make the wrong decision as a leader:

1. It makes everyone happy. Chances are you're settling for less than best. The best decisions almost never please everyone.

2. It's easy. Some decisions are. Most aren't. Especially major decisions.

3. You made it alone. Plans fail for the lack of counsel. With many counselors plans succeed. (Proverbs 15:22)

4. You made it too quickly. Some decisions need time to gel in your mind and heart. Most major decisions need a good nights sleep—or several.

5. You made it too slowly. When you've wrestled with it long enough—and you know the right thing to do—some decisions just need to be made—even without having all the answers.

6. It changes nothing. Change is a part of leadership. In fact, without change you don't need a leader. People can stay the same on their own.

7. Your gut tells you otherwise. You have a gut for a reason. Most likely it was developed over the years. It's dangerous to ignore it.

Put some of your major decisions through this grid. I'm speaking from experience or many bad leadership decisions. It might help you avoid some of my mistakes—and make better ones.

What are some ways you diagnose a potential bad decision?

Ron Edmondson is the senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. For the original article, visit ronedmondson.com.

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