Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision, said Peter F. Drucker. But, how do leaders decide? Are there any specific criteria they take into consideration? Or, do they make their decisions based on available information? Or, is it their fearlessness that helps them make tough decisions? Or is it their common sense that works for them? However, some criteria, information, fearlessness, and common sense are enough to take important business decisions? I guess NO. Then how do leaders actually decide? To get a detailed answer to this question you should read How Leaders Decide: Tackling Biases and Risks in Decision-making by Harjeet Khanduja, Vice President at Reliance Jio. The author has very well explained organisational decision-making in the simplest manner.

I usually read books that have business at their centre. These books strike me a little more than other books of different genres. However, most of the time, to me, business books are monotonous. They often exhibit too academic views, philosophies and strategies that become boring to read after a certain time. They discuss the same things. I find most of them repetitive and redundant. Then, you must be wondering why did I select this book by Harjeet Khanduja? And why am I writing about it? Why am I going to appreciate it? It is the title of the book, How Leaders Decide, that hit me first. Yes, just beside the operative part of the title, you can find an academic subtitle that tells ‘tackling biases and risks in decision-making’. I not only read this book but read it with full attention. This is one of those books, in this particular genre, that is unputdownable. At least, I find it so. After all, it’s your decision that creates wonders both personally and professionally. One right decision and you are on the cloud and with one wrong decision you are fallen back on the ground. Secondly, business books become sensible, interesting and thought-provoking if they are written properly. Harjeet Khanduja has included all his experience and expertise in writing this book. It is not his first book. He has previously written a book in the same category and a poetry book too. In my opinion, Harjeet is a storyteller and knows how to keep the readers involved.

The decision you make at the management level decides the future of your organization – whether it will lead to benefit or disaster. And it is quite obvious that every big decision comes with potential risks and biases. Then how do leaders decide? How do they manage biases and risks involved in the decision they make? Risk, bias and decision-making are inter-related factors in organizational management, and they are related to various uncertainties. Harjeet has exquisitely explained the relationship between decisions, biases and risks through great illustrations. From decision-making philosophies to styles and strategies of decision-making, to the process of decision-making, he has covered each and every small aspect in his book. He has selected leaders of renowned companies to support his arguments. At the same time, these real examples help you relate to the book easily. Anyone will recognise Google and Apple. However, anyone will be alarmed to know how CCD led itself to the shell… that was an eye-opener to me.

Filled with personal anecdotes and advice, the author’s years of experience, his expertise, observation and understanding of business, How Leaders Decide, is a wonderful book on decision-making. The perspectives the author has come up with and the clarity he has shown while expressing his ideas are simply outstanding. I am sure, Harjeet’s book will act as a guide for management students, employees at the beginning level, leaders in exploring wide perspectives of choices, and any other reader who is interested in the subject. Because decision-making is not limited to businesses and organisations, the book can be read by general readers as well. In fact, in every aspect of life, decision-making is something which we all practice in various situations. At last, a decision fills the void between success and failure. And it is your responsibility to make your choice right.

You can get a copy of this amazing book from Amazon India by clicking the link given below:

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Review by Abhinandan for ReadByCritics