Hard Decisions
How do we know when it’s the right move for us, or just something shiny that is catching our eye?
Wabash men have never been afraid of hard tasks, hard journeys, hard classes, or hard examinations. I see a level of tenacity, willingness to do “what it takes,” and commitment to finishing what is started among our students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni.
There are times, though, that we face hard decisions.
I was in a PhD program—while working full-time—and realized that I could do one or the other well, but not both. While I have regrets about not completing my doctorate, there are only so many hours in a day. My decision to focus on my career at that fork in the road led to some opportunities that may not have come along were I still buried in dissertation research.
So how do we know when it’s the right move for us, rather than just something shiny that is catching our eye?
If it’s a choice concerning work, I look for specific information. Am I being asked to take on a new challenge because it will grow my skills or prepare me to be more effective in the role down the line, or am I being asked to apply my current skills to fix a problem? I’m good with either—although I lean toward a new set of skills as opposed to doing (again) what has worked before.
I come back to the mission of Wabash College and how it applies to engaging tough decisions in our personal or business lives.
Think critically: Take time to look at the issue as dispassionately as you can and as honestly as you can. Are you moving away from something or toward something? Either can be fine, but it’s important to understand your motivation. Have you weighed the costs and risks of the new thing, or are you looking at only its potential benefits?
Act responsibly: What responsibilities do you have to yourself, your family, your team at work, or others affected by your decision? Does the new option make it easier or harder to fulfill your responsibilities? Do you need to discuss your decision with others?
Lead effectively: Who will be watching how you execute any changes? What kind of example will you be setting for them?
Live humanely: How can you minimize the negative impact—if any—of your actions on others? Your company may expect two weeks’ notice for leaving your role, but are you being more considerate of your boss and your team if you can give them four weeks’ notice? If your new employer sees that you are willing to jump ship from your previous employer at a moment’s notice, will they be concerned that you will treat them this way when you decide to move on from the new role?
Sometimes there aren’t easy answers. You may be choosing between two equally good options, or two equally bad ones. Don’t go it alone—draw on the advice of trusted friends, mentors, and other advisors. Don’t be paralyzed by the options or forced to make a decision simply through procrastination.
When you make your decision and announce it, own it and go boldly forward. Don’t second-guess yourself. If you consider decisions effectively, you’ll make the right one with the information you have available at the time.
Wabash always fights!
— ROB SHOOK ’83
President, National Association of Wabash Men