Management

Managers and leaders have to take many decisions. Some of these will be routine and easy while others will be more challenging. So what 6 steps you can take to be a more effective decision maker?

Step 1: Clearly define your objective

Every time that you have a decision to make, think about the objective or outcome that you want to achieve as a result of taking the decision. Once you have clarity on the objective or outcome it becomes much easier to complete the rest of the decision process. As the saying goes, start with the end in mind.

Management - 6 Steps to More Effective Decision Making

Step 2: Collect the necessary information

There will be times when there is an abundance of information and times when it will be scarce. Each time that you are faced with a decision, think about the type of information that will help you take the decision. From this point, get clear on the essential information and go and find it.

Step 3: Create options

With any decision, there will be a number of options available. Brainstorm these options without any form of evaluation initially. For example, imagine one of your objectives is to improve your decision making skills. In your initial brainstorm of options you might come up with things like reading a book, attending a teleclass, reading blogs on the internet, going to a workshop or training course.

Step 4: Evaluate options and decide

Every option you generate will have benefits and drawbacks. Take time to evaluate each of your options and decide on balance what appears to be the best option in this instance.

Step 5: Implement your decision

Implementation is when you move from analysis to action. When you get into action you start to get results, so make sure that you take action.

Step 6: Monitor and adapt

The final step is to monitor the outcomes that you are getting compared to what you are expecting. Things might go as you expected and they may not but you can adapt and make changes if necessary.

At the end of the day, there is no magic formula that it guarantees success in decision making. On the other hand, by adopting a systematic approach and acting you lay the foundations for more successful decision making.

Management - 6 Steps to More Effective Decision Making

Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements (G&A) works with individuals, teams and organisations to develop their management and leadership capability.

With 25 years business experience in a range of sectors, he understands first hand the real challenges of managing and leading in the demanding business world.