The Ripple Effect of Decision-Making in Project Management

Every day, project managers legally decide where to make choices that affect the budget, timeline, deliverables, and most importantly people. Have you ever wondered how much such a decision would ripple in wake? Any choice, however small it may seem, can send vibrational waves throughout the team, stakeholders, and project consequences in all possible unimagined ways.

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1. Every Decision is a Story in the Making

The decision itself will not stand alone. It is no more than a chapter in the unfolded book of history. For example, to call for a deadline extension may relieve anxiety but instead create a flood of problems downstream.

?? Pro Tip: The implications of such a decision are not only for today, but project onwards from now and a week, month, or phase later.

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2. The Power of Inclusive Decision-Making

Team inclusivity of decision making is that they end up committing themselves towards the decision result. The trust that is built through inclusive decision making goes beyond problem-solving.

?? Pro Tip: Create a poll or host brainstorming sessions to gather everyone's input before making any major decisions.

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3. Avoid Decision Paralysis

It's one thing that every project manager has to deal with, being project paralyzed by too much thinking about every possible consequence.

?? Pro Tip: Focus on the data at hand, and make the best decision you can. After all, the indecision is usually worse than a bad decision.

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4. Be Transparent About Trade-Offs

There really isn't any perfect decision, and every decision comes with trade-offs. If these facts are established, then it could set expectations right and keep morale high as well in the team.

?? Pro Tip: Explain why it was decided so, what was gained from the decision, and what was lost too.

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5. Learning through Decision Post-Mortems

Every decision-whether or not you think it's good-is an opportunity to learn. Critical decisions post-mortem could expose trends and create a better outcome for the future.

?? Pro Tip: Evaluate the impact of significant choices following a major milestone in a project. Were they as far-reaching as intended?

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Final Thoughts

In terms of project management, decisions are not solitary events. They are catalysts to the outcomes of projects and, as well, to team dynamics. If you learn the art of making thoughtful decisions, uncertainty will turn into opportunity, and challenges will be turned into growth.

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How would you approach critical decisions in your projects? Let's talk about some ways that have worked for you!