The need to be loved.

The need to be loved forms the basis of most of our decision making. Deep down we all have the desire to be loved. Loved for who we are, loved by what we stand for, loved for our reputation, loved for who we know, the list goes on.

We are alway making decisions which, deep down, are driven by our desire to be loved. If you think about it, this would dramatically cloud our decision making ability after all, we all want to be loved.

There's plenty written by motivational authors about decision making.
One of the simplest is this "Do what is right".
Deep down we all have an inbuilt sense that tells us what is right.

John maxwell puts it this way.
"You don't make decisions because they're easy.

You don't make decisions because they're cheap.

You don't make decisions because they're popular.

You make decisions because they're RIGHT".

He goes on to say:
"We often make decisions in the heat of the moment. If we're not careful, we can make a life altering decision based on our temporary situation rather than on our values. Or we can base it on our feelings. Instead, if we make critical decisions before we have to, then we can make them without our emotions controlling us. When we do that, we are more likely to make decisions with integrity".

Making decisions when we're emotional clouds our thoughts and we then fall back on making a decision based on what would be the most popular.

Successful people make decisions based on what is right not on what would be the most popular.
Many people in leadership make decisions which would see them become more popular with their staff only to find that their respect level falls with each decision. This is because the decision was centered on their desire to be loved, not doing what was right.
Tough decisions may upset some people however if they are made with the correct thought process that is, doing what is right, then ultimately the decision will be proved correct and respect and love will follow.