Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask Before Making a Decision

February 10, 2026•5 min read

Three Questions Every Leader Should Ask Before Making a Decision

Leadership isn’t defined by the number of decisions we make—it’s defined by the quality of the decisions we make, especially the difficult ones. In schools, organizations, and communities, leaders are constantly navigating competing priorities, limited resources, and strong emotions. In that environment, it’s easy to move too quickly or react instead of reflect.

Before making any significant decision, effective leaders slow the process just enough to ask three essential questions. These questions don’t eliminate complexity, but they do bring clarity—and clarity is one of the greatest gifts a leader can provide.

1. Who will this impact the most?
Every decision has a ripple effect, and strong leaders take time to consider who feels that impact first and most deeply. Often, it’s not the people at the decision-making table—it’s students, staff members, families, or frontline employees.

Asking this question forces us to step outside our own perspective and consider lived experiences. It reminds us that leadership is not about convenience or position, but about responsibility. Decisions made with empathy tend to build trust, even when the outcome isn’t what everyone hoped for.

2. What problem are we actually trying to solve?
This may be the most important question of all. Many leadership missteps happen not because leaders are careless, but because they’re solving the wrong problem.

Is this a performance issue—or a systems issue?
Is this about behavior—or clarity of expectations?
Is this urgent—or simply loud?

When leaders clearly define the problem, they are far more likely to choose solutions that last. When they don’t, they risk creating new challenges while trying to fix old ones.

3. What will this cost us—financially, emotionally, and culturally?
Every decision has a cost, and not all of those costs show up on a spreadsheet. Financial implications matter, but so do morale, trust, relationships, and culture.

Wise leaders ask:

What message does this send?
How will this affect our people long-term?
Is this aligned with our values and vision?

Sometimes the “right” decision still carries a cost. The difference is that thoughtful leaders are aware of it, plan for it, and communicate honestly about it.

Great leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means asking the right questions, involving the right voices, and making decisions rooted in purpose rather than pressure. When leaders consistently pause to reflect before acting, they create organizations that are not only more effective—but more human.

In a world that often rewards speed, wisdom still comes from intention.

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Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project

Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—your inner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.

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Identify who truly belongs in your circle
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Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.

If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.