Mastering Decision-Making in Business
Overcoming Fear for Strategic Success
As I cross the four-month mark in my full-time entrepreneurial journey, the wealth of data I've gathered has been pivotal in maintaining agility in my decision-making. This period has been a whirlwind of learning, adapting, and bridging gaps, all aimed at achieving peak performance in the business arena.
Embarking on this adventure, starting with The Happy Tee LTD, was both exhilarating and challenging. The stress was twofold: the pressure to generate income and the quest to find my own space in this new world. The Happy Tee was more than a business venture; it was a mission, born from a period of personal struggle, to spread joy through high-quality, enjoyable apparel. In this venture, my brother's support and rich apparel industry experience proved invaluable. Shout out to my Brother, the Print Man, James Howard, CEO and Founder of DC Printing LLC in Dayton, Ohio.
Yet, the inception of Zeal Consulting LLC was a different beast altogether. This venture was less about tangible challenges and more about mental fortitude. It aligned perfectly with my extensive experience in the military, federal, and corporate sectors, demanding a more profound internal commitment. Zeal Consulting wasn't just about strategic planning or scaling businesses; it required an introspective journey and a deep trust in my skills and capabilities. My approach, "Deeds, not words," a principle I’ve lived by through years of service and leadership, was the bedrock of my strategy, propelling me to take decisive, confident strides with Zeal Consulting.
Leadership, I've learned, is about making informed decisions that align with your core values and principles. It's about considering both the immediate and long-term impacts of those decisions. Reflecting on Colin Powell's words, "Some people will get angry with your decisions. It’s inevitable if you’re honorable," resonates deeply with my fifteen-year military career. I've faced situations where I had to rely more on assumptions than hard facts, making choices that sometimes went against the grain. Yet, my guiding principle has always been prioritizing my team members' welfare. Whether it was during my time with the 137th Signal Company in Newark, Ohio, or elsewhere, my focus was on putting my service members first.
In sum, the entrepreneurial path is laden with critical decisions that demand courage, strategic thought, and a clear understanding of one's values. By integrating lessons from military life and a deep appreciation for value-driven decision-making, leaders can effectively steer through the complexities of the business world, armed with confidence and clarity. Military or not, you are a leader if you read this post. That is our common thread. When in charge, take charge. Hooah!
Evan Howard, Founder, CEO