Resources > Understand the Decision Chain > Follow Through
Decision Chain Element - Follow Through
Videos on
Follow Through:
Comittment to Follow Through: Make them real
Commitment to follow through means we are set to execute our decision and can do so purposefully. If we are only halfhearted about our commitment, our follow- through is usually less intense and may not achieve the best results.
Committing to follow-through is like pulling an internal switch—after the switch is on, we do whatever it takes to make our decision real. When we shift from considering a decision to being in the state of commitment, we are clear and can proceed without reservation, conscious of potential consequences.
Successful follow-through requires resources such as time, effort, money, or help from others. It also requires being prepared to overcome obstacles.
How to commit to follow through
Ask yourself
-
Am I ready to act?
-
Will I do this?
-
Do I have the necessary means to follow through?
Ask your head
-
What could stop me from following through?
-
Am I prepared for the consequences and for doing what it takes to carry through on the decision?
Ask your heart
-
What fears do I have that prevent me from making my decision real?
-
Have I accepted the potential consequences that go along with acting/choosing?
-
Am I ready for the internal shift from considering the decision to the state of making it happen?
-
Will others support or hinder me in executing the decision? Am I prepared to deal with this?
Tools and good practice
-
Quality decision process to create the right conditions for follow through
-
Alignment with others whose help I need to achieve commitment
-
Action or implementation plan
-
Progress measurement (e.g., milestones)
Traps to avoid
-
Making a “mental commitment,” but separately deciding not to really put forth the necessary effort to follow through
-
Not dealing with obstacles that get in the way
-
Procrastination
-
Halfhearted commitment
For more information about good decision making, download our booklet
