The Decision-Making Matrix: When to Slow Down and When to Move Fast

Decision-making is one of the toughest parts of leadership. Every day, we face choices, some big, some small. The challenge isn’t just making the right decision, it’s knowing when to slow down and when to move forward.

At Text In Church, we use something simple but powerful: The Decision-Making Matrix. It helps us classify decisions into two types.

Type 1 Decisions: Big, long-term, hard to reverse. These require slow thinking.
Type 2 Decisions: Small, short-term, easy to reverse. These require quick action.

Great leadership means knowing the difference. And I’ll be honest, I don’t always get it right. I’ve rushed through Type 1 decisions I should’ve paused on. I’ve overanalyzed Type 2 decisions that needed speed.

But here’s what I’ve learned: You don’t have to make perfect decisions. You have to make decisions, and then work to make them right.

“All decisions are final… until the next decision is made.”

Type 1 Decisions: Slow Down, Get It Right

These are the decisions that shape the future of your organization. They have lasting impact, and once they’re made, they’re hard (or costly) to undo.

Examples of Type 1 Decisions:

Changing your business model
Hiring or replacing a key leader
Acquiring or merging with another company
Rebranding or overhauling your messaging
Entering a new market or service area

These require wisdom, not just speed.

How to Lead Through Type 1 Decisions:

Get multiple perspectives. Don’t make the call in isolation.
Look at trends, not just today’s data. What’s the long view?
Think beyond the first step. What happens in one, three, or five years?
Challenge your assumptions. What if you’re wrong?
Run a pre-mortem. Imagine this decision fails, what broke?

When I’ve skipped these steps to chase momentum, I’ve almost always regretted it. These are the moments where leadership requires stillness, not speed.

Type 2 Decisions: Move Fast, Iterate Later

Charles Kettering said, “A problem clearly defined is a problem half solved.”

That’s never more true than with Type 2 decisions, low-risk, short-term, and reversible. These are the decisions that clog up calendars and slow down teams when they’re overprocessed.

Examples of Type 2 Decisions:

Choosing a new software tool
Adjusting a weekly team meeting
Updating website copy or email templates
Tweaking an event agenda
Trying a new outreach method

These decisions need action, not perfection.

How to Lead Through Type 2 Decisions:

Make the best call you can with the info you have.
Empower others. Let the person closest to the problem solve it.
Set a timeline. Delay kills momentum.
Evaluate and pivot. If it doesn’t work, try something else.
Decide at the lowest level possible. Don’t escalate unnecessarily.

The biggest mistake I’ve made? Treating Type 2 decisions like they were Type 1. It slowed down the team and added stress that didn’t belong.

How We Apply This: The 1:3:1 Rule

To help our team make smarter decisions, without overloading leadership, we use a simple framework: the 1:3:1 Rule.

Here’s how it works:

1 Problem – Define the issue clearly.
3 Solutions – Offer three possible options with pros/cons.
1 Recommendation – Share what you believe is best and why.

This builds critical thinking, removes bottlenecks, and empowers action.

I use this with our team, and honestly, I use it with myself too. When I’m stuck, I run through 1:3:1 in my head. It keeps me from spinning in circles.

Final Thought: Make the Decision, Then Make It Right

We overestimate the permanence of decisions. The truth?

All decisions are final… until the next decision is made.

You don’t have to get every decision right the first time. You just have to move forward with clarity, then course-correct when needed.

So here’s my challenge to you:

What’s one decision you’ve been overthinking?
Is it a Type 1 or Type 2?

Name it. Decide. Move forward.

Want to Build a Better Decision-Making Rhythm?

If you’re ready to grow in clarity, consistency, and leadership focus, I’ve created a free tool to help you do just that.

Download the 30-Day Leadership Growth Plan

It walks you through four daily habits and one monthly rhythm that will help you:

Lead with greater intention
Empower your team to make smarter, faster decisions
Align your actions with what matters most

You don’t need more time, you just need better systems.

From Indecision to Action: How I Decide What Matters

In this short video, I share how the Decision-Making Matrix helps me know when to pause for wisdom, and when to move quickly with confidence.

▶ Watch: The Decision-Making Matrix Explained

You’ll hear how I use this framework to avoid overthinking small choices, bring clarity to the big ones, and empower my team to make better decisions using the 1:3:1 Rule.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in indecision, I hope this is a practical reminder: leadership isn’t about making perfect decisions, it’s about making decisions, and then making them right.

About Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith is the co-founder and CEO of Text In Church, a communication platform built to help churches connect with their people beyond Sunday mornings. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Tyler shares practical strategies to help church and business leaders grow with clarity and confidence.

He’s a husband, dad, and lifelong learner who’s passionate about building systems that empower people and strengthen communities.

👉 Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn for more leadership and communication insights.