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Gather
information from a wide variety of sources when
making important decisions.
Thoroughly examine, weigh and use all
relevant information. Do not over analyze or burden the decision with irrelevant
information.
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Double
check data and assumptions related to important
decisions.
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Talk
with others in the organization to find out how
they approached difficult decisions.
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Be
open to changing your decision if new
information becomes available or if the
situation changes.
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When
you need to take quick action:
1.) Quickly gather the information from a few
reliable sources
2.) Break the issue into parts. Act immediately on the urgent part and where appropriate buy
time to act on the remaining parts
3.) Test the water before acting with a few key
stakeholders
4.) Minimize risk by choosing alternatives that
can be revisited when more information is
available.
5.) If you must act now, do it even if
information is incomplete or if risks are
involved, but don’t always assume that
others’ “crises” are urgent.
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Identify
potential problems – what could go wrong to
interfere with the intended results of your.
decision/action, by analyzing the overall action
plan and critical steps within the action plan.
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Analyze
problems and opportunities from a broad organizational
perspective rather than focusing solely on your
area of responsibility. Help others think “big
picture” and realize that actions they take in
one part of the organization impact other parts
of the organization and the organization as a
whole.
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Include
people with different ways of thinking in your
meetings and on teams.
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Analyze
all information and use it to make the final
decision. Ensure you balance every constituents
needs and support with doing what is inevitably
correct for the business (i.e., don’t just
take the easy way out).
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Identify
the risks of each alternative before choosing an
alternative. What are the potential downsides of
each alternative? What could go wrong –
short-term and long-term? What are your
contingencies if downsides occur? Choose
the alternative that offers the most benefits
with acceptable risks.
