One of the marks of a leader is the willingness to make decisions without having all the information. They step into the future without a crystal clear view. Not blindly, because they have enough of the shapes and shadows to fill in the remaining 20% of what they don’t know.

Why is this such an important trait? Why do they take the chance? Because they know that decisions keep things moving. Decisions maintain momentum. Decisions energize. Decisions capture opportunities that are lost to those who delay.

So do what the best leaders do. With the information you do have, where does the direction seem to go? Your mind has already arrived at an educated guess. You just need the confidence to acknowledge it and act on it.

If you’re wrong, say, “With the information I had at the time, it was a good decision. If I had all the information, I would have decided differently.” A colleague or mentor will help you see what you knew at the time but missed or miscalculated. This is useful and you’ll be better next time. Experience that is reflected upon is a great teacher. Unreflected experience will lead you to make the same mistake again.

The most important part of a decision is always action. Decisions without action are a waste. How many meeting notes and sticky notes do you have that are loaded with decisions waiting to be enacted? The whole point of the decision is to cause action.

So get over your fear of being wrong. Give up trying to be perfect. Let go of having to control everything. Make a decision. Own it with confidence. Reflect on the result and learn. It won’t be long before you will be helping others. Kinda like being a leader.