Make Sound and Timely Decisions:

     As an NCO, you must be able to rapidly estimate a situation and make a sound decision based on that estimation.  Hesitation or a reluctance to make a decision leads subordinates to lose confidence in your abilities as a leader.  Loss of confidence in turn creates confusion and hesitation within the unit.  Once you make a decision and discover it is the wrong one, don't hesitate to revise your decision.  Marines respect an NCO who corrects mistakes immediately instead of trying to bluff through a poor decision.  Techniques to develop this principle include:

• Developing a logical and orderly thought process by practicing objective estimates of the situation.

• When time and situation permit, planning for every possible event that can reasonably be foreseen.

• Considering the advice and suggestions of your subordinates whenever possible before making decisions.

• Announcing decisions in time to allow subordinates to make necessary plans.

• Encouraging subordinates to estimate and make plans at the same time you do.

• Making sure your Marines are familiar with your policies and plans.

• Considering the effects of your decisions on all members of your unit.

REFERENCE:  Marine Corps Values and Leadership User's Guide for Discussion Leaders