One of the greatest obstacles in the way of most leaders being successful is that they have difficulty understanding the relationship between action and a leader's responsibilities.
It is impossible to perform as a leader if one is unwilling or unable to make decisions that end up in actions.
In order to be able to take responsible action, it is essential that leaders be trained in the steps of essential and responsible decision making, because when this is not done, far too many individuals inadequately thrust into leadership positions end up procrastinating rather than taking action.
Some procrastinate on purpose, either to avoid being the responsible individual or taking the chance of being blamed, while others instead simply end up procrastinating because they simply don't know or understand how to go about taking action.
Some might say that procrastination might at time be the best course of action, but I disagree vehemently.
While it is may at times be true that by procrastinating, something worked out for the best, that is what I refer to as "accidental leadership," and is the most irresponsible way to act.
There is never a time that a leader should procrastinate because by doing so it means that an item is not even being looked at to see if it might fall into the priority category.
While all matters do not require immediate attention, a leader must beware of putting things off, because more times than not, doing so ends up costing the organization in terms of time, resources, monies, etc.
I believe that while some in leadership positions might consider it a dilemma to choose between procrastination and taking action, I feel there should be no dilemma at all.
Issues should be reviewed as soon as they become known, and then effectively prioritized.
An effective leader reviews the issue, gets all information available from all sides and outside sources, and then make some sort of decision.
It is essential for leaders to understand that putting off taking any action, is indeed an action in and of itself.
I have often lectured and written about the essential parts of making a decision, as have many others, and a thorough understanding of this process should be an essential ingredient and component in all leadership training programs.
Leaders will and should always be called upon to make decisions.
The reality is that many decisions are complex and/ or difficult.
However, a true leader must understand that simply because something might be difficult, that dopes not excuse procrastinating.
Therefore leaders who believe that this situation creates some sort of dilemma are actually not real leaders at all.
Leaders must act effectively and decisively.