10 QUICK TIPS FOR DECISION MAKING

All great decisions are not perfect decisions, but they are usually for the best possible efforts, meant for better outcomes considering the circumstances.  For successful decision making, don't act on impulse, intuition or even experience alone, but depend on a system to work through step by step.

Define the Issue - A problem well diagnosed is a problem half solved. To understand the problem exactly ask, "who, what, when, why & how." What is the objective? Why is the decision necessary? When does the decision needs to be made? How can the decisions change things for better? Who are the beneficiaries? Whom will it affect?

Take A Positive Approach - Make a conscious effort to see the situation as an opportunity, a challenge, rather than a problem. An optimistic approach always help to perform better.

List Your Solutions - Write all your probable options. List more and more alternatives on paper. The more alternatives you consider, the more consciously you are taking care not to overlook the best possible solution.

Gather Information About Your Options - By investigating, analysing thoroughly, you can make better decisions and also you will have the peace of mind to carry out your decision easily and quickly.

Be Objective - When you already have an opinion on the matter, the natural tendency will be to look for approval to confirm the opinion. Sometimes it works, but in other times it harms too! Hence welcome alternatives and different views to make the right decisions.

Consider Your Options - Write down the pros and cons for each option and see how they work. Try to determine both best and worst consequences for each option. See if there is some way by which you can reduce the risk and combine both to find the best solution for execution.

Be True To Yourself - Stick to your character values and ethics. Do any of the options lead you to compromise your values? If so, avoid them forever.

Make A Decision - When you are convinced that you have the best possible option, commit to it. Don't give up till you succeed.

Be Open To Change If Circumstances Change - Once you make a decision and begin to act on it, don't look back or regret. But, when a better option opens up, give due weightage to it too. This is sometimes referred to as the "boat-and-rudder-effect". You can't get the rudder playing its role unless and until the boat is in motion.

Follow The Steps - Follow the principles and adapt or change for better to bring about the better decisions. Focus on the decisions, not the sacrifices, focus on the results and not the risks. Right attitude always yields right decisions.