In the first article we looked at few tips on how to assess your own ability to take important decisions. It was about gathering enough of relevant input as well as about role distribution in your team. Now let's move to some tips which can help you improve your decision making, according to the management.about.com website. After all, talking to other people doesn't always help, because people may be competent and good at something, but they can't teach. So let's learn something new about decision making.
Don't frame your decision too narrowly
Be clear on what you are deciding. Don't frame your decision too narrowly. To illustrate this point, it is not always whether you should buy a new car or not. Actually there are not only two answers, yes or no, but the real question is which type of vehicle should you buy, or which means of transportation would be the best one for you.
Select right criteria and ask for input from stakeholders
Evaluating alternatives is easier when you have the right criteria. Sometimes you may need to ask your stakeholders to determine the most important criteria. That is especially important when the decision you are about to make will have a strong impact on others and you will need to get their consent and support.
Establish clear roles
Make sure everyone knows his or her role in the decision making process. A lack of clarity over who actually makes the ultimate decision is a common problem. If there is a need for deciding a big, complex issue, the problem can paralyze your team or organization. A timely response may be delayed. To prevent that, establish who is:
- The person responsible for recommendations. Also the people you need to ask for input.
- The people who must agree on the final decision. These people are usually powerful and have influence.
- The person who in the end has to carry out whatever the decision is. This guy often doesn't have a say.
- The person who has the ultimate and final decision making authority. It is necessary that one person who holds the power to decide. There must not be more than one.
-jk-