Have you ever thought about whether the decisions you’re about to make would be something you’d want shared all over social media? Imagine if your choices were on display for everyone to see—would that change your perspective?

Think back to those college days before smartphones and social media took over. Remember those funny, maybe even embarrassing moments? I bet those aren’t the kinds of decisions you’d want the world to see!

Today, people are more in tune with their values than ever. Consumers and employees both care deeply about what organizations stand for. Research shows that younger generations want to feel connected to their work, and shoppers are increasingly mindful of where they spend their money. Business partners are also more selective about who they work with, wanting to invest in companies that align with their values.

So, if you wouldn’t want to share your decision on social media, why make it in the first place?

Often, organizations rush into making decisions focused on short-term results rather than long-term vision. This can create a “flavor of the month” approach, leading to confusion and disconnect among teams. When that happens, it can result in frustration, disengagement, and even burnout.

Simon Sinek captured this beautifully in his TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action.” He pointed out that “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” He compared Apple and IBM, showing how Apple thrived by focusing on creating an exceptional experience for users, while IBM struggled because it lost that emotional connection.

This article aims to help leaders build a framework for making decisions with purpose. The first step? Establish a solid foundation around your mission, vision, and values. Let’s break it down:

Mission – Why Do You Exist?

Start by asking your team what they think your mission is. Give them some time to write down their thoughts and then share them in a group. This exercise can reveal a lot about your organization’s purpose. Make sure your mission statement goes beyond just what you do—it should capture why you do it. Asking “So what?” can lead to a more meaningful understanding of your organization’s role.

Vision – Where Can You Make the Most Impact?

Your vision is your long-term goal—what you aspire to achieve as an organization. Think of it as a roadmap that guides your company toward its future. A clear vision can inspire and motivate everyone as they work together toward a common goal.

Values – What Beliefs Guide Your Actions?

Values are the principles that shape how your organization operates. Reflect on what your culture looks like and how you can deliver an exceptional experience for your clients, stand out from competitors, and positively impact your community.

Together, your mission, vision, and values create a strong foundation for building high-performing teams. Make sure this base is solid before moving on to the next steps in decision-making.

Think of it like building a pyramid: the first layer needs to be stable to support everything else.

The People Factor

Now that you have your foundation, it’s time to focus on your people. It’s not just about having the right number of team members; it’s about how they work together to fulfill your mission.

Ask questions like:

How can we live up to our values every day?

What can we do to encourage teamwork?

How can we leverage our strengths to succeed together?

How should we handle conflicts with compassion?

What support and accountability do we need to reach our goals?

Spend time discussing how your team will handle internal challenges, set strategic initiatives, empower each other, and foster a culture of innovation.

Take It Slow

Don’t rush through these initial phases! It’s tempting to jump straight to making big decisions, but taking the time to build a solid foundation will pay off. This process encourages collaboration and sets a great example of living your mission and values.

Once you’ve established this groundwork, you can move on to the top of the pyramid. Here, you’ll evaluate your key strategies and test each action plan against your mission, vision, and values to ensure everything aligns.

This approach will help you make thoughtful, value-driven decisions that resonate deeply with everyone involved—employees, customers, and partners alike.

In today’s fast-paced world, decision-making can get complicated with many competing interests and opinions. This decision-making pyramid offers a helpful framework to guide individuals and organizations in making choices that reflect their core principles, ultimately driving long-term success.

If you’re unsure how strong your decision-making foundation is or want to explore strategies for even greater performance, seek guidance from a trusted advisor or mentor. Investing in your growth and your team’s development shows a commitment to ongoing improvement and success.