Bill stood frozen in place, uncertain and fearful about what to do next. It felt as if he were playing the icebreaker game from years ago when the leader yelled out, ‘Freeze!” and everyone froze in their tracks. However, there was no leader yelling this time. He had come to a standstill as the road abruptly ended, leaving him confronted with a muddy track before him instead of the continuation of the road that had once been there. The GPS was rendered useless; it was outdated. Bill pondered — should he attempt to navigate the muddy track or return to one of the houses he had passed to ask for directions. Faced with this altered landscape, he remained paralyzed by indecision.
It happens. Decision making in the face of change, especially unexpected change, can throw you off balance. When others are depending on you, it adds further complexity. When the future of the organization hangs in the balance, a fear often creeps in—one that is frequently unexpressed and even unacknowledged.
I recall managing a policy change due to shifts in the external environment of our organization. While most of my team was in agreement and supportive after our discussions, not everyone shared that sentiment. As the individual who proposed the change, I sensed the subtle—and sometimes overt—looks of disapproval and the unspoken questions about whether I truly knew what I was doing lurking beneath the surface.
Of course, I have my own, “What If’s” with regard to the potentail results of my decision. After all, no decision comes with an ironclad guarantee, especially when dealing with change. However, you can move forward with confidence. Here is how I have overcome, and continue to overcome, the fear of making the wrong decision during times of change.
Prayer for Overcoming the Fear of Decision Making
Prayer is the most powerful resource available for overcoming fear. It is a wonderful gift from God that is not limited to specific times. When faced with a decision, seek God’s guidance. God cares about every aspect of your life, including your work. By following God’s guidance, you glorify God.
Consider the Context
You operate within a specific environment, both internally and externally, each with its own dynamics. Therefore, your decision making is never conducted in a vacuum. You must pay attention to how these environments and the individuals within them will be affected by your decisions. These factors should be included in the details you present before God.
Trust
Trust that, having sought guidance, God is providing it to you. Therefore, you must relinquish the outcome to God. The process of implementing change may proceed smoothly, or you may encounter bumps along the way. However, once you have prayed, considered your context and made your decision, release any doubt or anxiety as you move forward. Transform any concerns or apprehensions about potential challenges into factors to consider in your planning.
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This handout has been created with you in mind.
When all eyes are on you and your organization relies on your leadership, making decisions during times of change can evoke fear. Although you may be hesitant to acknowledge it, this fear may be lurking beneath the surface, particularly if you find yourself preoccupied with “what if’s” that are about what could go wrong rather than “what if’s” that prepare you for various scenarios you might encounter.
Pray. Be mindful of your context. Trust. With these three principles, you can set aside the fear that may lead to inaction and move forward with meaningful change.
- How do you overcome the fear of making the wrong decision during times of change?
As a spiritual executive coach and mentor, author, and speaker, Dr. Claire is the person that spiritual executives turn to when navigating complex career and life transitions. She provides clarity and empowers you to make tough decisions that align with your faith and purpose.
Drawing on years of experience coaching pastors and executives, and leveraging skills honed through leadership roles in diverse settings – including program development, international collaboration, and academic teaching – she offers a unique perspective on leadership that integrates faith, values, and performance. She is passionate about helping leaders thrive while staying true to their calling.