What are the most important decision support skills for your career?

To excel in decision-making roles, four essential skills are paramount. First, problem definition: accurately identifying the issue and its root causes sets the stage for practical solutions. Second, data collection and analysis: mastering data sources and analytical techniques is vital for making evidence-based decisions. Third, solution generation and evaluation: using creative and analytical thinking to create the best solutions is very important; please familiarize yourself with tools like decision trees for evaluating options. Finally, communication and presentation: Your ability to communicate your findings persuasively is critical for buy-in from stakeholders.

In my experience, the key to effective decision making is understanding the problem and its root causes. Anyone can make a decision, but making the right one requires taking the time to ask ‘what is the problem we are trying to solve?’ People often jump to solutions and end up not fixing what was ultimately causing the issue. Analyzing the data is key to not only identifying problems, but also for measuring success. Don’t suffer from analysis paralysis though! You don’t need every piece of data possible - trend the data you have and you can usually understand the big picture. And finally, fail fast. If it’s not working, admit failure and find a new solution.

My very own acronym for this is called POWER or Problem Orientation, Wisdom for Evolving Results. Understanding the problem at hand is the foundational of any successful endeavor, as it serves as the compass guiding the journey towards effective solutions. It defines the parameters of success criteria, scope, and risks but also determines the very essence of the solutions we seek. Without comprehension of the problem, any attempted resolution is bound to be misguided or superficial. This process of problem understanding not only transforms us from order takers into strategic solution designers but also ensures that our efforts are aligned with the real needs and intricacies of the challenge, fostering innovation and meaningful progress.

As consultants, our ability to provide effective decision support is directly linked to our awareness of our own cognitive fallacies and research biases. Without this self-awareness, we risk making flawed recommendations that could have serious consequences for our clients. Therefore, it is crucial that we prioritize the development of this skill in ourselves and our colleagues, as it is the foundation upon which all other decision support skills are built. Only by acknowledging and addressing our biases can we truly provide the objective and reliable guidance that our clients deserve.

Utilizing multi-pronged assessment techniques consistently proves to be an invaluable asset in evaluating various potential solutions. Embrace the versatility they offer, steering clear of a one-size-fits-all approach, all the while ensuring cost-effectiveness for your organization and elevating the customer experience.

Most problems may be overcome by clear communication. In today's digital world, keep in mind "Digital Body Language". Communication through digital means can still be effective.

Another important aspect to consider is collaboration. Collaboration with other professionals and stakeholders is crucial for ABA professionals to provide the best possible support for their clients. ABA professionals often need to collaborate with other professionals, such as teachers and speech-language pathologists, to provide a holistic approach to a client's treatment. By working together, these professionals can ensure that the client is receiving the most effective interventions possible.