Dear BARRY: I am CEO of a large company and I have considerable trouble making decisions. Yet I am required to make decisions all the time. What shall I do? --G.H., Los Angeles.
Dear G.H.: The solution is remarkably easy. If you have to make an unpleasant decision, don't. Not to begin with, anyway. Spend a few weeks "considering alternatives" This will make you appear desperately keen to avoid the unpleasant outcome. Buy time by saying that there's a "red line" that must not be crossed. Allow it to be crossed, say it is a "grave matter" but do nothing. Allow a clamor to rise for the unpleasant action to take place. Now persuade some other large corporations to go in first so they can take the heat if it proves to be the wrong decision. Say your advisers are conflicted. Only then decide. You will have covered your ass, while appearing bold and decisive. Easy! --BARRY, D.C.
