Making the right decision takes practice

This post came out from My Paper (26 January 2016)
Title - Making the right decision takes practice

Some pointers that I've got are:
1. Define the decision
2. Collect useful information
3. Analyse the data gathered
4. Develop a possible solution

On Define the decision

• Ask "W" questions to clarify the decision that is needed.
• These include: Why does a decision have to be made and what is the impact of a non-decision? State who will be affected by the commitment - or the lack or delay of it. Also, what are the desired outcomes of arriving at a conclusion? 
• Pen down your thoughts in simple, clear language - seeing them on paper will help you anchor your ideas. 
• Develop a set of decision criteria to judge the quality of each solution, using these to assess the suitability of the possible lines of action. Include a timeline in the process as well. 

On Collect useful information

• You will need sufficient data to make an informed decision. So, access files and records or dig into case studies and best practices to widen your perspective. 
• However, do not ferret out too many details - that will lead to information overload or time wastage. Scour the top few portals in your business, think through the key areas you need to refresh and bear in mind a possible direction to take.

On Analyse the data gathered

• Scrutinise the accuracy of information that you have gathered in your legwork. Try to look at the information from a fresh perspective. 
• Talk to stakeholders as they may be able to contribute salient points. Distil these views and facts, and come up with a few possible lines of action. 

On Develop a possible solution

• List the pros and cons of each solution in a table. For instance, what are the costs and benefits of implementing each idea? Indicate the obstacles to each option and how they can be managed. 
• Give yourself an "incubation period" to think things through. Sometimes, putting your ideas on a mental back burner to revisit them later may turn up fresh insights. 
• Finally, lay out your plans - summarising the information and analyses - and present them to your supervisor and colleagues for brainstorming, if necessary. The option that is consistently in the best interest of the organisation, and is in line with its goals and objectives, is the step in the right direction. 
• Put the final decision made from the group consensus into an action plan with a timeline. After an initial period, test the commitments you have made. Did they do what they were supposed to do? If not, tweak as necessary. Revisit the decisions, making the needed adjustments. 

Yours,
Something Small Thinking Big