Key Steps to Better Decisions

Key Steps to Better Decisions

Making better decisions is a fundamental skill that has an impact on various aspects of our life, from our careers to our relationships, and even our general happiness.

Here are a few key principles that can guide you to make better decisions.

Base Everything on Best Evidence:

The best decisions are grounded in facts and data, rather than on emotions or assumptions.This means that you should gather as much credible information as possible before making a decision.

Real-world data will always offer a clearer perspective than hunches.

Test Ideas:

Before taking any major decisions, try to predict the outcome of your choices and then compare these expectations with what actually happens.

This way, you can verify if your understanding of the situation was accurate.

Think Critically:

Critical thinking is a vital part of decision-making. Don't accept everything at face value. Instead, probe into your options, and ask analytical questions about the information at hand.

A more thorough understanding can help you avoid potential pitfalls and make smarter decisions.

Show Your Reasoning:

Transparency in your decision-making process is beneficial for others to understand your thought process. Be open about the information you relied on and the steps you took in reaching your decision.

This will enable others to follow your reasoning and lend their support.

Analyse Potential Bad Consequences:

With every decision, there's a risk of negative outcomes. Before you finalize any decision, contemplate what could possibly go wrong. Weigh these potential risks against the expected benefits.

This exercise will help you choose the best way forward.

Measure Feedback Results:

Once you've made a decision, monitor the results. Are the outcomes as you anticipated? Are there unexpected challenges?

Tracking the effects of your decision will help you learn from your experiences and improve your decision-making skills for the future.

Make Necessary Adaptive Changes:

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. When things don't unfold as expected, be flexible and adapt your decisions accordingly.

Regular reviews and modifications based on new information can keep you on the right track.

Be Open to New Information:

Different people have diverse perspectives. Listen to various opinions when making decisions. They may spot something you overlooked, or offer an innovative solution to your problem.

Be Moral:

It's important to make ethical decisions. Choose what is honest, fair, and good for everyone involved. Decisions that you can be proud of are typically the best ones.

In any context, these principles can guide you to make better decisions and will help steer you towards success and satisfaction.

Definition: evidence-based decision making

In business, evidence-based decision making is a process that: 1) gathers solid, up-to-date data; 2) tests each choice against that data; 3) records the thinking and sources for all to see; and 4) shifts the choice when new facts appear. If any part is missing, the decision is no longer evidence-based.

Article Summary

Better decisions come when you slow down, gather clear facts, test ideas, check the risks, show your logic, listen to other views, and adjust when feedback shows a flaw; follow this simple cycle and each choice becomes a lesson and a step towards lasting success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Decision Making and Problem Solving

• How To Solve Problems
  Learn a proven 10-step problem solving method that tames fear, gathers facts, sets clear plans and tracks results. Boost critical thinking at work or home.
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• Be a Straight Thinker
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• 10 Steps to Solving Problems at Work
  Learn a clear ten-step method for problem solving at work: collect facts, define the gap, trace causes, plan action, monitor results and refine to hit goals.
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• Effective Decision Making
  Learn how six decision matrix types simplify effective decision making. Compare options, cut bias and act with confidence. Free decision making apps included.
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• Key Steps to Better Decisions
  Learn evidence-based steps for better decisions. Gather facts, test ideas, weigh risks, review feedback and adapt to change for ethical, confident decision mak
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