Guidelines of Decision-Making

Decision-making entails recognizing and defining the nature of a situation, identifying alternatives, selecting the best option, and acting upon it. The process of arriving at a decision can become difficult. The following step-by-step guide can help one make more deliberate and thoughtful decisions:

1. Define the problem Recognize the problem or opportunity and decide to address it. Clearly identify the problem you are trying to solve or the goal you are trying to achieve to avoid wasting time on irrelevant matters.
2. Gather information Collect relevant information about the problem or goal. This can be done by brainstorming with a team or doing research on the matter at hand. Information must be gathered from multiple sources to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.
3. Identify alternatives Create a list of possible paths of action or possible options or solutions to the problem. Consider both traditional and creative approaches to solving the issue at hand.
4. Weigh the evidence Evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and desirability of each option based on a established criteria. Consider the advantages, disadvantages, risks, and benefits of each option. Place the options in a priority ranking according to your personal value system.
5. Choose among alternatives Pick the best option according to the rankings you have created.
6. Take action Create an action plan to implement the decision made, then delegate tasks as necessary.
7. Evaluate the decision Review the decision and assess its outcomes. Determine whether it was successful in achieving the desired results. If necessary, modify the approach and repeat the process accordingly.

Extra step: Learn from the decision. Reflect on the decision-making process and identify what can be learned from it. Use the information to become a better decision-maker in the future.

Helpful Decision-Making Techniques

• The 2-Minute Rule Whenever you need to decide, set a timer and start the process. This forces you to quickly weigh your options when making a decision.
• Think Black and White Sometimes, we have more options available that we would want. This excess can lead to overwhelm and can even cause analysis paralysis. Simplify the process by eliminating less-than-optimal choices.
• Put it in a Hat As the name implies, put your options in lots, put them in a hat, and draw. The one chosen at random will be the decision.
• Focus on the Present When trying to see how our decisions will affect us in the future, we can get overwhelmed by the large picture. Instead, try and live in the moment. Make a decision based on what appears to be the best option at present.
• Embrace the Idea of Failure The biggest fear that a decision-maker can have is the fear of our choices resulting in poor outcomes. This can result in overthinking and second-guessing every part of the decision. Instead, decide now and learn from your mistakes later.