“I made the worst possible decision of my CEO career.”

After an admittedly rash decision from its CEO, Method CRM shifted its efforts towards replacing its flawed but functional platform with a completely new one. The effort, thought to take no longer than a year, lasted for three years, and cost the company valuable resources, multiple staff members, and support from its investors. In his conversation with Ben Kaplan for TOP CEO, Method’s Paul Jackson gave five tips that –in hindsight, after reaching success– he believes could have helped him sail through the experience. Read below.

1. Take longer than 10 minutes

Decisions that may change the trajectory of your business are important and should be treated as such. Especially if they regard the material aspect: if the existing products or services are at stake, it can be hard to turn back once the choice is made. Ask yourself how high the cost of coming back from a wrong choice can be. If it’s too high, take a little longer. Reflecting enough on it is key to avoiding hasty, regrettable shifts that may lead to a brand’s demise. No need to hurry in excess.

2. Do your research

Companies have been struggling with direction and tough calls since their conception, and the literature on it is constantly growing. Studies have supported or rejected hundreds of standard decisions and paths. Success and failure stories can mirror your current situation. Looking at the past and the theory might help you make informed calls. It might not always work, but it’s worth a read.

3. Reach out

No one expects you to make all the tough choices on your own. Make sure to spend quality time with peers, colleagues, or even personal affections to go over the options laid in front of you. External output can give you perspectives you hadn’t even begun to consider. A one-on-one conversation or a forum discussion may be your most powerful tool. Don’t forget the human side of business.

4. Lift the spirits

Supposing you’ve made a choice that has led your company down a strenuous path that requires everyone to work harder than expected, staff members who don’t share your passion or know the behind-the-scenes of the process may be low on morale. Working toward a seemingly unreachable goal for too long can discourage anyone. 

Lighten the journey for everyone. Establish shorter-term objectives. Boost productivity through engaging activities like contests or hackathons. Check on the well-being of employees. They’re the foundation of your progress.

5. Count your losses

Hardships aren’t for everyone. You must be ready for stakeholders to lose faith in you and jump ship. Don’t hold grudges or let it bring you down. Instead, create incentives for those who stayed. Let the people who lived through the whole process serve as leaders with unmatched experience. Be appreciative of the day-ones who perhaps didn’t know too much at first, but now are at the forefront of the effort. They set the example you strive for.

Not all is lost

Whether you still haven’t decided or you feel like you’re in too deep already, stories like Paul Jackson’s can provide you with options and hope for the future. Trust your gut, but don’t forget to look around and build a firm support system. And never forget those you are taking on the ride. Be the leader you, your company and everyone else need, regrets and all.

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