John Baldoni writes in the Harvard Business Publishing blogs about Mr. Colin Powell's decision to endorse Barack Obama - something which probably took a lot of Americans by surprise (pleasantly or otherwise).

Mr. Baldoni says that

Powell used all of his persuasive skills to describe the context and the reasons for his decisions. Studying that explanation can serve as a good template for explaining a decision clearly and forcefully. In essence, Powell acknowledged the enormity of the issues as well as the reasons for his advocacy.

And that how Mr. Powell laid down his reasoning for this presumably tough, political, and potentially career-limiting move for Mr. Powell is a great example of how leaders can arrive at decisions particularly during tough times.

Mr. Baldoni's observations are as follows:

Provide the big picture.
Make the case.
Declare the moral imperative.
Look to the future.

I think that leaders and managers ought to heed and remember these 'tips'.

Comments

[Geert]

Excellent point and thanks for pointing to the video and excellent posting on Harvard Business.