You’re struggling to make decisions at work. How can you develop better skills?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to making a good decision is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve. Sometimes, the problem may be obvious, but other times, it may be hidden or unclear. To identify the problem, you can use some questions such as: What is the goal or desired outcome? What are the main challenges or obstacles? Who are the key stakeholders or affected parties? What are the criteria or constraints for the solution? By answering these questions, you can narrow down the scope and focus of your decision.

2 Generate alternatives

The next step is to brainstorm possible solutions to the problem. You can use various techniques to generate alternatives, such as: listing pros and cons, using mind maps, applying SWOT analysis, or consulting experts or peers. The aim is to explore different perspectives and options, without judging or rejecting them at this stage. You can also consider the potential risks and benefits of each alternative, as well as the resources and time required to implement them.

3 Evaluate alternatives

Once you have a list of alternatives, you need to evaluate them based on the criteria and constraints you identified earlier. You can use various tools to evaluate alternatives, such as: scoring matrices, decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, or prioritization grids. The goal is to compare and rank the alternatives objectively and systematically, and to eliminate the ones that are not feasible or effective. You can also weigh the pros and cons of each alternative, and consider the impact and implications of each one.

4 Choose the best alternative

After evaluating the alternatives, you need to choose the best one that meets your goal and criteria. You can use your intuition, logic, or consensus to make the final decision, depending on the situation and your preferences. You should also be confident and committed to your decision, and be ready to explain and justify it to others. You should also anticipate and prepare for any potential challenges or feedback that may arise from your decision.

5 Implement the decision

The last step is to put your decision into action. You need to plan and execute the steps and tasks required to implement your solution. You should also communicate and collaborate with others who are involved or affected by your decision, and ensure that they understand and support your vision and goals. You should also monitor and evaluate the progress and results of your decision, and make any adjustments or improvements as needed.

6 Learn from the experience

Making decisions is not only a skill, but also a learning opportunity. You can learn from your experience by reflecting on what worked well and what did not, and by seeking feedback from others. You can also identify and celebrate your achievements and successes, and acknowledge and address your mistakes and failures. By learning from your experience, you can improve your decision-making skills and confidence, and apply them to future situations.

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?