How do you improve team decision making?

1 Identify the problem

The first step in any decision making process is to clearly define the problem that needs to be solved. This will help you avoid wasting time and resources on irrelevant or trivial issues. To identify the problem, you can use tools such as the 5 Whys, the Fishbone Diagram, or the Problem Statement. These tools will help you dig deeper into the root causes, the effects, and the scope of the problem. You can also involve your team members in this step, as they may have different insights or perspectives on the problem.

2 Generate alternatives

Once you have identified the problem, you need to generate possible solutions or alternatives. This is where you can tap into the creativity and diversity of your team members. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, or SWOT analysis to generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them at this stage. You can also encourage your team members to share their opinions, suggestions, and feedback, as well as to build on each other's ideas.

3 Evaluate alternatives

After you have generated a list of alternatives, you need to evaluate them and select the best one. This is where you can apply critical thinking and decision making skills to assess the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, and the feasibility and impact of each alternative. You can use tools such as the Decision Matrix, the Cost-Benefit Analysis, or the Pareto Principle to rank and compare the alternatives based on relevant criteria. You can also involve your team members in this step, as they may have different preferences or values that affect their choices.

4 Implement the decision

Once you have selected the best alternative, you need to implement it and monitor its results. This is where you can assign roles and responsibilities, set timelines and milestones, and communicate the decision and its rationale to your team members and other stakeholders. You can also use tools such as the Action Plan, the Gantt Chart, or the SMART Goals to plan and execute the decision. You can also involve your team members in this step, as they may have different skills or resources that contribute to the implementation.

5 Review the decision

The final step in the decision making process is to review the decision and evaluate its outcomes. This is where you can measure and analyze the results, identify the successes and failures, and learn from the feedback and experience. You can use tools such as the PDCA Cycle, the KPIs, or the After Action Review to review and improve the decision. You can also involve your team members in this step, as they may have different observations or suggestions for future improvement.

By following these steps, you can improve your team decision making process and ensure that you make informed, effective, and collaborative decisions that benefit your team and your organization.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?