Two steps to Effective Decisionning

We all make decisions and often later realize (even if not acknowledge) that the outcomes are not as per expectations. Despite right intent and use of right techniques, the real decision making gets influenced by contextual variables and our embedded thinking patterns. For example, our decisions are sometimes affected by the anticipated difficulty in communicating tough decision to the affected party. We sometimes regret that we took decision too early – buying time would have been better.

Knowing how important effective decisionning is for us, I developed a simple two step process that has significantly improved outcomes for me- and hence will invite you to try as well!

Effective decisionning involves taking two steps in strictly sequential manner:

(1) Making Decision, (2) Communicating Decision.

Making Decision:

It is about making sure we know WHAT is at stake, WHO all are the stakeholders and by WHEN decision has to be taken. Specific efforts have to be made to ensure that these three elements are well considered. Stakes assessment has to include organizational and personnel, financial and social, long and short term. Stakeholders include both the affected and affecting parties. WHEN brings out the need to take decision at right time, otherwise preferred style prevails (some believe in quick decision taking while some by habit never seem to decide!), which may not be in the overall best interests.

Communicating Decision:

Once the decision is taken, avoid rushing to communicate the decision. Often there is time-lag between the futuristic decisions taken and the need for retaining the present arrangement. Right TIMING assumes that impact assessment and contingency readiness has been ascertained, and delaying communicating further will hamper the affected parties’ ability to manage the situation. Buying time to avoid difficult conversation or in the hope things will change on their own, actually make things worse for the affected parties. Prepared TEXT helps ensure that decision is left to minimal misinterpretation and you do not say stuff you regret later. TONE can help convey feelings while staying within the professional environment.

We do tend to cover the above six elements intuitively but doing so consciously and in structured manner not only help in effective decisionning but also help understand the reason why others may not agree with your decision- it is difference in perspective around any of these six elements that may be the real cause behind the disagreement.

Try and share your experiences!