Mike was elated when he got word that he was being promoted to manager at one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Until then, he hadn’t given promotional opportunities much thought because it is very difficult to move up within his company. Besides, he was very happy doing his cancer research. But Mike knew that with this promotion, he would have more opportunity to interface with managers from other laboratories and learn more about research projects they are engaged in. He was also in a much better position to advocate for more funds from senior management for the research projects his laboratory handles. Mike’s only concern about this new opportunity was that he found it very hard to make decisions, and he knew that managers had to make difficult decisions and sometimes very fast decisions as well. All in all, Mike was quite happy with the sudden turn of events and was looking forward to his new job.
Symptoms of the Waffler. The Waffler procrastinates in making decisions. He is always thinking of all the possible options that he has or is looking for more data or information. He often goes around telling others that he has to make a decision and asks for their opinions. Or he just busies himself with other projects or work in order to avoid having to make the decision.
Impact on Staff. Staff members do not like to work for managers who are indecisive. In fact, when you ask employees what they dislike about their bosses the most, indecisiveness tends to be on the top of the list. When managers vacillate, their interests, as employees, are being neglected. They also assume that their manager doesn’t know what she is really doing.
Impact on Department/Organization. Often decisions need to be made quickly by the person in charge. You cannot always involve your staff in helping you make the decision or have the luxury of asking others within or outside the organization for their thoughts. Opportunities are lost that may never reappear when decisions are not made in a timely manner or not made at all.
Why Accidental Managers Become Wafflers. Wafflers are fearful that they will make the wrong decision and that making a wrong decision is a direct reflection on their abilities. They also believe if they can procrastinate in making a decision, its importance will diminish and they will be off the hook. Many managers are thrown into the role of decision maker without being ready for it. Decision making is a skill that many managers have not had much experience with, nor have they received the necessary training.
Hints for the Waffler. Indecisive managers need to recognize first and foremost that delayed decision making, or non–decision making, will have an impact on the overall goals of the organization. They must set strict decision-making deadlines for themselves. They need to share with others the decision that needs to be made and on what date. Then they need these other people to hold them accountable for making a decision by the deadline. Eventually, Wafflers will learn to hold themselves accountable for decision making and decision-making deadlines.