How to make better decisions faster

Decision-making overload is a common experience among managers. But you can process choices more efficiently and achieve better outcomes by using a checklist.

1. Write down five goals that will be impacted by the decision. This helps you avoid the rationalisation trap of making up reasons for your choices later.
2. Write down at least three realistic alternatives.
3. Write down the most important information you are missing.
4. Write down the impact your decision will have a year from now.
5. Get buy-in from a team of at least two (but no more than six) stakeholders. Hearing different perspectives reduces your bias, but bigger groups have diminishing returns.
6. Write down what was decided as well as why and how much the team supports the decision. This increases commitment and helps you measure results.
7. Schedule a follow-up in a month or two to make course corrections.

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from A Checklist for Making Faster, Better Decisions by Erik Larson. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.