“Ever notice that what the hell is always the right decision?” I think it was Marilyn Monroe who made this observation. And, you know,many people spend too much time indulging in “inward concentration” i.e. “how will this affect – or reflect on – me”, when aiming to reach business decisions. Instead, use these tips to help balance this with an “outward focus” i.e. how the decision will affect others Avoid the search for “perfection”
Understand that “perfect” decisions simply don’t exist. Therefore, set yourself the goal of making the “best-possible” decisions you can - and making them as quickly as is practicable. This should happen once you have as much of the relevant information as can reasonably be gathered. Decision-paralysis is often the result of a fruitless search for “perfection”
Aim to be positive If you can, see a “problem” as a positive rather than negative. In other words, turn it round into a positive statement of your intent. Here’s an example: a Customer raises a complaint and you have to decide what to do about it. Your original reaction might be negative – at least inwardly – and there is a danger that this affects your decision-making processes. But, remember, this also gives you an opportunity to put something right for all the others who don’t bother to complain - but aren’t happy. Surveys have shown that only 1 in 25 Customers with a minor complaint actually take the time and effort to make it. Many others quietly search for another source of whatever they want!
Look for a “balance”
When reaching decisions, there are often two “voices” at work in your head. These affect your behaviour in different ways. The first tells you “it’s time for change”; encourages you to go for it and take a chance. The second advises it’s “safer to leave things as they are” making you cautious. Often, decisions will be reached by giving precedence to one voice over the other. In reality, you need to give equal weight to both sides, and reach a balanced decision through using them both. Naturally, most people automatically err to one side or the other throughout their lives Seek out the “real” decision Start by identifying the actual decision to be made - not just what you think it is or would like it to be. An example: supposing you and your partner are trying to decide whether to go on a vacation or create a new kitchen for your home. If you are really thinking either: “Where would I like to go?” or “What colours would best suit the overall décor?” you are now working on a preferred option, rather than truly considering both alternatives!
How to be better at reaching decisions - Part One - To learn more about this author, visit Gordon Veniard's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
|
|
|
![[Get Copyright Permissions]](http://license.icopyright.net/images/icopy-w.gif){kind=small}
