how to make a decision 33 by Article Announcement
Published Date: 24/09/07
Have you ever made a snap decision on an important matter that you later regretted? We probably all have at some point in our lives. Many people fail to make good decisions simply because they do not know how to make a decision. We need some basic methods and models for successful outcomes of decisions.
Know up front that lack of planning is a recipe for poor results. Planning offers simplicity to the decision making process. Lack of planning can make a trip out for lunch a fiasco. Your car needs gas and you forget about it. You run out of gas on the side of the freeway in the rain. So, understand that planning is a prerequisite in the 'how to make a decision' formula.
There are three basic classes of decisions: strategic, tactical and operational. Strategic decisions are high level and long term. Tactical decisions are second level decisions and involve mainly logistical considerations. Operational decisions are the run of the mill decisions we make every day. The lunch and the empty gas tank.
Now we come to some techniques you can employ in learning how to make a decision that works for you.
There is the simple ?T-chart? model of how to make a decision, which is a divided list of pros and cons of a given objective. For example, let's say you're trying to decide whether to buy a new or used car. Draw a line horizontally across the page and then divide the space as pros and cons. Think objectively and list everything that comes to mind for each side.
Another type of decision suitable to this method is when you have two options. Let's say you're starting a net business. You're on a shoestring, have the skills to do most of the work yourself, but not the time. How do you decide what to subcontract? Your T-chart could be divided into 'do myself' and 'contract out'. An assessment of your strengths and weaknesses will quickly fill in the blanks. You can add a third column of 'don't know' to denote tasks you can do, but may not have the time or money to fulfill.
Another type of T-chart focuses only on the cons, in the case of two equally attractive options. Many people are stymied on how to make a decision between two good choices. Let's say you're choosing between two attractive homes to purchase. You love both of them, and don't know how to make a decision between them. Listing the drawbacks in each, the shorter list wins!
However, let's say you're still undecided. Make a list of features and amenities most important to you, and assign a number weight of importance to each. A scale of one to ten is useful. Each point is weighed and you simply add the two columns.
In learning how to make a decision, you'll find these techniques invaluable and eye-opening. Good luck in your future decisions, made intelligently and rationally!
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