subject: How Decision-Making Can Go Wrong - Or Right [print this page] How Decision-Making Can Go Wrong - Or Right
Decision-making skill is increasingly important, and increasingly difficult with all the information and opinions that are available to any of us, at any time.
Consider this thought:
"Some problems are so complex that you have to be...well-informed just to be undecided about them."
- Laurence J. Peter
Great decisions can have deep and lasting effects. Think about the far-reaching impact of these decisions:
- Columbus' decision to seek the New World
- John F. Kennedy's decision to land a man on the moon
- Rosa Parks' decision not to give up her seat on the bus
Poor decision-making is powerful, as well, in undesirable ways. Think about the impact on US and world financial markets during the past few years of a few false but critical assumptions about market risk and appropriate oversight.
Incorrect assumptions, such as in this case as well as many others, can cause huge and devastating surprises for many people for a long time after the decisions are made.
What are the primary things that can go wrong when making decisions?
Here are a few:
1. Being unable to decide without a lot of information.
Some people get lost, like being stranded in the middle of the ocean. They're unable to sort out all the data, information and opinions they've accumulated, or to see a pattern in the information.
2. Being decisive - but too much so.
Decision-makers may reach conclusions quickly, based on too little or the wrong information.
3. Simplifying information so much that it's stripped of significance.
Data and information may be overly simplified, and difficult to synthesize for deeper meaning, powerful conclusions, and good, sustainable decisions.
4. Disowning one's decisions.
This can occur if a leader fears the push back that naturally happens at some point in almost every change process.
How can decision-making go right?
1. Great decision-makers focus their decision-making team on the right issues of the problem they are solving, or the opportunity they are meeting.
2. They ensure that they have solid information for the decisions they make.
3. They involve enough - but not too many - people in the process of making the decision.
4. And they ensure that the process they use to make decisions is effective, and continually improved.
Decision-making is a process, and it can be improved and mastered, like any other leadership skill.
And now I invite you to get your copy of the free report, "Leading Teams Successfully Through Uncertain Times" when you visit http://www.jgrichardsresults.com - from Jan Richards, J.G. Richards Consulting - Turning Business Goals Into Great Results.
