Today's post is a quickie, 10 different tips on how to make decisions.
1. Gather More Data - When you're not sure what to do, it can be helpful to gather more information. You can do this by looking at quantitative data (numbers, statistics) etc or qualitative data (interviews, surveys, etc.)
2. Ask your "Boss" - Is there someone you defer to in the matter you're addressing, be it your manager or your spouse? Ask them what they think.
3. Call a Smart Person - No, not "IQ" smart - but someone you trust. Tell them what you have going on and ask them what they'd do in your shoes.
4. Make a Pros/Cons list for your Options. "Should I Quit my Job Today?" Pros: More time to watch Oprah. Cons: Would have to move into Mom's basement. You get the picture.
5. Be Your Own Best Friend - Ask yourself "If my best friend were in my situation, what advice would I give them?" (Seems simple, but I've seen this question break through a lot of blocked decisions.)
6. Follow your Gut - Did you know that you have neurons in your guts as well as in your brains? This may explain why our "gut" is often a source of decision making power. Be cautious. Some "gut" decisions are good and some are plain emotional. Know how smart your "gut" is before you listen to it.
7. Take a Break - See a movie, relax with a friend, or sleep on it. Sometimes you need a little time before coming to the right decision.
8. Accept the Ambiguity - Sometimes there is simply not enough information to know what is right. In these cases make the best choice you can and be prepared to deal with the consequences. Such is life.
9. Defer to the Group - In some cases, you might turn to a democratic process. If so, gather up the interested parties and take a vote. Even better, have a nice long chat until there is consensus on a decision everyone can live with.
10. Take a History Lesson - Chances are that you are not the first person in history facing your decision. Read up on case studies, or ask experienced folks what they did in your situation.
Do you have tips to add? Leave a comment!
Ask yourself which options are in line with my/the company's core values?
Posted by: Jeffrey Summers | January 10, 2009 at 01:20 AM
Excellent!
Posted by: Cheri Baker | January 10, 2009 at 09:37 AM