Make Better Decisions, Faster

by | Apr 26, 2021 | On Point

Decision-making overload is a common experience among managers. But you can process choices more efficiently and achieve better outcomes by using a checklist:

  • Write down five benefits of the decision (or things it will impact). This helps provide clarity quickly.
  • Write down at least three realistic alternatives. Why wouldn’t you?
  • List the challenges, obstacles and downsides of the choices you have. Being explicit about these is invaluable. Also with a binary choice it helps to assess pros and cons by listing each issue and assigning a weighting (1 – 10).
  • Write down the most important information you are missing. – Write down the impact your decision will have a year from now.
  • Get buy-in from a team of at least two (but no more than five) stakeholders. Hearing different perspectives reduces your bias, but bigger groups have diminishing returns.
  • Write down what was decided, why and how much the team supports the decision. This increases commitment and helps you measure results.
  • Schedule a follow-up to make course corrections.

What else? How do you make better decisions, faster?

Kourdi Associates​ ​work with current and potential leaders to develop their mindset, skills and effectiveness. Jeremy Kourdi is formerly Senior Vice President with The Economist, he has worked with London Business School and Duke Corporate Education as well as market-leading businesses worldwide, and he is the author of 27 books translated into 17 languages, including​ ​The Truth About Talent​ ​and​ ​Coaching Essentials​. ​His business​ ​Kourdi Associates​ ​provides coaches, expert content and consultants that help leaders successfully navigate a changing world.

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