In CCAW’s early days, I avoided making tough decisions until I absolutely had to. I was inexperienced and afraid of doing the wrong thing, and I always hoped that something material would change so I wouldn’t have to do anything. In hindsight, I can see that procrastinating just delayed the inevitable and piled stress on my team and on me.

With more experience, I learned a better way. I began announcing decisions I needed to make and the date by which I needed to make them. Usually, my confidants were professional people whom I held in high regard (for instance, my EO Forum and mentors). Sometimes, they included team members, family, and close friends.

Why did I put myself on the spot? Simple—to give others permission to hold me accountable. For me personally, public accountability is powerful because I’m wired to be competitive and I have a strong sense of responsibility. I hate losing and tend to take psychological ownership of what I say I will do. If I commit to doing something and then don’t, I feel like I lost and also like I let other people down. I want to avoid both of those horrible feelings.

The pandemic has created an unprecedented macroeconomic environment. Navigating to the other side of it will require tough, timely decisions. Consider whether public accountability could help you make them.

What are your methods for getting yourself to make difficult decisions?