What is a critical role of a manager related to decision-making?

A critical role of a manager related to decision-making is to set targets and strategies by planning ahead. This involves anticipating future challenges and opportunities, outlining clear objectives, and formulating strategies to achieve them. By proactively planning, a manager can guide their team towards success and navigate the organization through uncertainty in a systematic way. This strategic foresight allows managers to make informed decisions that align with the overall goals of the organization, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and that the team remains focused on achieving its objectives.

In a managerial context, planning ahead also means considering potential risks and preparing for them, thus enabling a more resilient approach to decision-making. While other aspects such as monitoring performance and controlling operations are important, they often follow after the strategic decisions have been made. The ability to set a direction and articulate a clear vision underscores the essential leadership role of a manager in the decision-making process, making option C the best choice.