Sunday 6 January 2013

5 Tips for Quick Big Decisions


There are five things that help one to evaluate the scenario and make a decision effectively:
1) Get to the heart of the matter: The first step for any major decision is based on critically and objectively dissecting its different elements to get to the bottom of the issue. A technique, called precision questioning (PQ), is a structured method to quickly get to the underlying assumptions, sources of data, measures and cause-effect relationships to separate out causation variables from associations. 
2) Encourage dissenting points of view: Everybody has a set of experiences that inform their decision making. It’s the muscle memory they rely on when confronted with a big choice. This method is dangerous because it supports predisposed points of view whereas one need diverse perspectives to make the best decision. Hence one need to listen seriously to the counter points of view and ensure every voice is heard. 
3) Foster boldness : A key element of good decision making is timeliness. A deep and accurate understanding of all aspects of an issue is important, but seeking perfection is not practical. 
4) Ensure the discussion is not personal : Getting to the heart of an issue in a rapid manner especially with techniques like PQ can be quite intense. Make this a natural part of organization. Ensure a respect and civility in all discussions. 
5) Provide clarity in the decision : Often times a decision is made but not well communicated and therefore not well understood. Once a decision is made, it is important for everyone involved to understand the “what” and “why” of the decision. Transparency builds the foundation for support. 

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