As we have been discussing "problem-solving and decision making" in the professional front for solving chronic issues, we have outlined some insights on data, analysis, converging to solutions, selling to others, and making the action plan. The next step before execution is timely decision-making.
I have observed in many organizations that despite the leadership teams being presented with data analysis and the approach to solving the problem, many managers/leaders struggle with indecisiveness.
Indecisiveness can be defined as the inability to take any decision or delay the decision despite given facts and knowhow.
The reason for indecisiveness is that we are stuck between emotional and logical bais.
Decision-making is one of the key attributes of effective managers/leaders. We need to learn to strike a balance between emotional and logical bias in the decision-making process.
One logical approach some effective people use is the checklist for making decisions.
The typical checklist will help you to think clearly and go with conviction with the decision.
Given below some of the checklists for taking business decisions for solving chronic problems
1.What is the decision's impact on Productivity, Quality, Delivery & Cost aspects of the business? (will give clarity on which one you are solving as a compelling issue)
2.How the decision will affect the people at the function and organizational level? ( give clarity on decision impact on small or majority of the people)
3.How this decision will help the customer at large?( will give more clarity and conviction as your purpose is higher than you )
4. What other alternatives I have for this decision? ( will help you to revisit your existing decision and to find something better)
5. Am I missing any aspects in this decision? ( final check on assumptions)
6. What is the impact of this decision in one year / three years down the line?( give clarity the importance or significant of this decision on time frame…if it is insignificant, why to break our heads now?
)
7. What are the opinion of the key stakeholders on this decision? ( to check the majority's pulse, sometimes others may be right !!)
You may use the above checklists when you are in a dilemma in making important business decisions, as this helps you to overcome your emotional bias.
Have a great week ahead.
I have observed in many organizations that despite the leadership teams being presented with data analysis and the approach to solving the problem, many managers/leaders struggle with indecisiveness.
Indecisiveness can be defined as the inability to take any decision or delay the decision despite given facts and knowhow.
The reason for indecisiveness is that we are stuck between emotional and logical bais.
Decision-making is one of the key attributes of effective managers/leaders. We need to learn to strike a balance between emotional and logical bias in the decision-making process.
One logical approach some effective people use is the checklist for making decisions.
The typical checklist will help you to think clearly and go with conviction with the decision.
Given below some of the checklists for taking business decisions for solving chronic problems
1.What is the decision's impact on Productivity, Quality, Delivery & Cost aspects of the business? (will give clarity on which one you are solving as a compelling issue)
2.How the decision will affect the people at the function and organizational level? ( give clarity on decision impact on small or majority of the people)
3.How this decision will help the customer at large?( will give more clarity and conviction as your purpose is higher than you )
4. What other alternatives I have for this decision? ( will help you to revisit your existing decision and to find something better)
5. Am I missing any aspects in this decision? ( final check on assumptions)
6. What is the impact of this decision in one year / three years down the line?( give clarity the importance or significant of this decision on time frame…if it is insignificant, why to break our heads now?
)7. What are the opinion of the key stakeholders on this decision? ( to check the majority's pulse, sometimes others may be right !!)
You may use the above checklists when you are in a dilemma in making important business decisions, as this helps you to overcome your emotional bias.
Have a great week ahead.
