In business, every decision is a bit like a group project—if it goes well, everyone celebrates. If it goes poorly, no one remembers who suggested it. While good decisions can drive growth and innovation, bad ones tend to leave behind a trail of budget overruns, awkward meetings, and the occasional “learning opportunity.”
Let’s take a lighthearted look at the real costs of bad decisions—and how to avoid turning your next bold move into a cautionary tale.
- Lost Time: The Most Expensive Thing You Can’t Invoice
Time is a non-renewable resource, yet we spend it like we’ve got a subscription. Whether it’s months spent chasing the wrong market or weeks debating a logo that still looks suspiciously like a coffee stain, lost time is a silent killer of productivity—and morale. And unfortunately, “we meant well” doesn’t show up on a balance sheet.
- Financial Loss: When Your Budget Takes a Detour Through Regret
Bad financial decisions come in many forms: overestimating demand, underestimating costs, or investing in a “sure thing” that turned out to be more “oops” than opportunity. Whether it’s a product launch that flopped or a marketing campaign that went viral for all the wrong reasons, the bottom line always notices—even if your accountant pretends not to.
- Emotional Toll: Stress in a Business Casual Outfit
Let’s face it—bad decisions don’t just cost money; they cost sleep. They lead to second-guessing, over-caffeination, and the occasional existential crisis during a quarterly review. Leaders and teams alike can suffer from decision fatigue, especially when the stakes are high and the Wi-Fi is spotty.
- Relationship Fallout: When “Teamwork” Gets a Little Tense
In business, trust is currency. One misstep—like overpromising to a client or undercommunicating with a partner—and suddenly you’re in damage control mode, armed with a PowerPoint and a hopeful smile. Internally, it can strain teams, spark finger-pointing, and lead to more awkward silences than a Monday morning meeting.
The Upside: Mistakes Make Great Mentors (and Even Better Panel Discussions)
The good news? Every bad decision is a future case study. They teach us what not to do, build resilience, and give us just enough humility to not become that boss. Plus, nothing bonds a team like surviving a shared disaster and living to tell the tale—preferably over coffee and not during a crisis.
How to Avoid the Next “Learning Opportunity”:
- Pause before you pivot. Urgency is not a strategy.
- Seek diverse input. Especially from the person who always plays devil’s advocate (you know the one).
- Think long-term. Will this decision still make sense after the adrenaline wears off?
- Document everything. If it works, it’s a blueprint. If not, it’s a warning label.
Final Thoughts:
Bad decisions are part of the business journey. But with the right mindset, a strong team, and a willingness to learn (and laugh), they don’t have to define us. In fact, they might just be the steppingstones to our next big success—or at least a really good story for the next Chamber networking event.
Hughena Brennan, MBA- CEO of Veritasa Law Office Professional Corporation
Article published in the July issue of the digital magazine We Are Kingston - Read it here!