By Dr. Isaac Newton
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Weds. November 13, 2024: “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves,” says Ray Kroc while Theodore Roosevelt stated, “In every decision moment, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do it’s nothing.”
In the Caribbean, we often hear the wisdom: “Look before you drive” and “Sleep and die”. These quotes remind us that leadership requires foresight, patience, and the ability to think several steps ahead. When making decisions, especially in challenging circumstances, leaders must carefully assess the landscape and recognize that every decision has far-reaching consequences.
As a former four-term premier of St. His approach to decision-making, based on curiosity, courage and caution, has enabled him to lead with clarity and determination, even in the most uncertain times.
Why leadership is defined by decision making
Leadership, at its core, is about making decisions. It is through decisions that leaders shape the future, manage crises and fulfill their vision. Bad decisions can destroy a leader’s vision, while good decisions give life to commitments and promises. Leadership is not simply about authority; it’s about how you use that authority to act in the best interest of the people you serve. For Dr. Douglas, this guiding truth has driven his leadership in St. Kitts and Nevis and beyond.
The three decision-making pillars of Dr. Douglas: curiosity, courage and care
The decision-making process of Dr. Douglas revolves around three vital principles: curiosity, courage and care. These principles, although distinct, work together to form a comprehensive framework for effective leadership.
Curiosity: The pursuit of knowledge
Curiosity is the fuel behind every innovative decision. For Dr. Douglas, curiosity means constantly seeking new information, asking tough questions, and staying open to new perspectives. It prevents a leader from becoming complacent or overly dependent on past success. Curiosity ensures that decisions are well-informed and reflect the complexities of the modern world.
Dr. Douglas often dives into global trends and best practices, ensuring that his policies and decisions reflect the most up-to-date information. His commitment to continuous learning has helped him navigate the evolving challenges of governance while ensuring that his vision for St. Kitts and Nevis to remain progressive.
Courage: Taking bold action in the face of uncertainty
While curiosity ignites ideas, it is courage that enables action. Courage is what allows a leader to move forward despite the fear of making a mistake or facing resistance. For Dr. Douglas, courage means making tough decisions, even when the outcomes are uncertain, because standing still is not an option.
Bold leadership is about taking calculated risks. Dr. Douglas has made bold moves on the international stage, always ready to embrace needed change while remaining steadfast in his convictions. He understands that leadership is not about pleasing everyone, but about doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Caring: Leading with compassion and responsibility
Caring is perhaps the most important aspect of Dr. Douglas. A leader who does not care about the people they serve is one who has lost his way. The decisions of Dr. Douglas always deals with a deep sense of responsibility for how they will affect both people and the environment. Care is what gives heart to leadership, ensuring that decisions are ethical, sustainable and attentive to long-term impacts.
This principle is especially vital in the Caribbean, where the effects of climate change and economic inequality require compassionate and forward-thinking leadership. Dr. Douglas has consistently shown his concern for the well-being of his people, ensuring that his decisions create lasting and positive change.
Lessons for Young Leaders: Decision Making with Integrity
For young leaders, the principles of curiosity, courage and care of Dr. Douglas provide a guide for making critical decisions. Leadership in today’s world is increasingly complex, requiring not only knowledge but also conviction and compassion.
New leaders must:
– Be curious: Always seek new information and understand the full context before making decisions. Look before you drive.
– Be brave: Don’t be afraid to make bold decisions. Take calculated risks that align with your values and vision.
– Be careful: Remember that every decision affects life. Prioritize the long-term well-being of people and the environment in your choices.
This decision-making framework is essential not only in policy formation and infrastructure development, but also in personal and family situations. Whether you are determining the future of a nation or making choices in your own life, the principles of curiosity, courage, and care ensure that decisions are based on wisdom and compassion.
The Future of Leadership: Building on a Legacy
Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has shown that effective leadership is not about perfection, but about constantly striving to make decisions that reflect your values and serve your people. His legacy of leadership is built on the strength of thoughtful decision-making, and new leaders should take heed.
As you step into leadership, consider this: Are you making decisions that reflect not only your knowledge and courage, but also your care for those who will be affected by them? In the long run, it is this balance that defines great leadership.
“Great leaders make important decisions by being curious, courageous and careful. These three things help them choose wisely,” says Dr. Douglas.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Isaac Newton is a global thought leader, Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia-trained political analyst and strategist with over 30 years of experience in international relations, political dominance, and cultural analysis. Known for his clear and provocative insights, Dr. Newton explores the intersections of identity, democracy, and governance with a unique perspective on America’s influence around the world.
