What do you do if your decision-making skills as a project manager need improvement?

1 Assess Weaknesses

To improve your decision-making skills, start by conducting a thorough self-assessment. Identify situations where your decisions haven't yielded the desired outcomes. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors who can provide an outside perspective on your decision-making patterns. Understanding your weaknesses is essential to target specific areas for improvement and to develop a focused training plan that addresses your unique needs.

2 Seek Training

Once you've pinpointed areas for growth, look for training opportunities that can help you enhance your decision-making skills. This could include formal courses on project management, workshops that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving, or even online resources that offer practical advice and exercises. Prioritize learning opportunities that align with the specific aspects of decision-making you wish to improve.

3 Practice Regularly

Improving decision-making skills requires regular practice. Start by applying what you've learned in training to smaller, low-stake decisions within your projects. This will allow you to gain confidence and refine your approach without significant risk. Gradually, you can begin to tackle more complex decisions, using each experience as a learning opportunity to further hone your skills.

4 Reflect on Outcomes

After making decisions, take time to reflect on the outcomes. Analyze what worked, what didn't, and why. This reflection process is a critical step in developing your decision-making skills, as it allows you to learn from both successes and mistakes. Keep a journal or log to track your decisions and their results over time, which can serve as a valuable tool for continuous improvement.

5 Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with others can also improve your decision-making skills. Engage with your team members, other project managers, or cross-functional colleagues to discuss potential decisions and gather diverse perspectives. This collaboration not only broadens your understanding of different approaches but also helps you consider multiple angles before making a final decision.

6 Stay Informed

Lastly, staying informed about industry trends, project management methodologies, and emerging tools can positively influence your decision-making process. By keeping abreast of new information, you'll be better equipped to make decisions that are current and relevant. Dedicate time to read industry publications, attend professional events, and participate in relevant online forums to ensure you're always learning and evolving as a project manager.

7 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?