The essence of this approach is presented as an infographic with more information on each step below.

5 Ways to Improve Decision-Making

This structured process of decision making helps improve your decision-making skills for better outcomes.

1. Remember the Privilege of Choice

We can sometimes feel burdened by pending decisions and this is understandable. Many times the decisions represent choices between options that all improve the situation. In these cases, it is important to cut ourselves some slack and enjoy the decision process.

Remember that in many situations, we are electing which path to follow – it is our choice. In making choices, try to enjoy the freedom and free will that we have.

2. Frame the Decision with a Clear Purpose

Name and frame the reason for the decision. This is a vital step in any approach to decision-making, as it ensures clarity and focus.

Remember that some items are not really up for decision, so be careful not to bring every matter through the steps in the decision making process.

For example, you are behind on the project and you would like to bring on two more people to the project, but your project sponsor has explicitly said that the resources at this stage of the project are fixed. Save yourself and others the energy and stress.

At this stage, decide if there really is a decision to be made.

3. Start with an Open Mind

Sometimes, the decision is not obvious; you need time and a decision-making process.

If you need time to make the right decision, do not start with the decision already made in your head. Start by being indifferent, unbiased, and impartial. If this is a project related decision, remind yourself of the project objectives or goals.

Avoid Personal Biases in the Decision-Making Process

If this is a personal decision, be mindful of your own goals and values. This level of detachment can be difficult, but it is important and will help you follow the 5 steps of the decision making process more effectively.

Building a supportive management culture can further promote impartiality and encourage collaborative decisions.

4. Continue with a Head Decision

You can continue the decision-making process with a logical approach. Some suggested steps follow:

• Do some desk research.
• Ask for help with the decision. Consult with those involved and LISTEN. Learning how to handle disagreements in a team can help ensure diverse perspectives lead to more informed decisions rather than conflict. Get other perspectives – but be mindful that you may still be making the decision yourself.
• Layout and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages. List the benefits of each choice. Also, list the disadvantages or potential damages of each option.
• Make a reasoned decision.

After the research, consultation, and analysis, if you are sure that the decision is right and obvious, then run with it. Communicate the decision and the rationale to those involved. Take the actions that the decision warrants.

If this is a big decision, do not confirm the decision immediately. Instead, pause and confirm with a heart decision.

5. Validate Decisions with Intuition

It can happen that you have to make a big decision but you have the luxury of a few extra days. And for important decisions, you should take the extra time.

After you make the reasoned decision following a process like the one above, you can sit with the decision and see if you still feel mostly positive about it after a few hours and a few days – not just immediately.

Test Your Decisions Over Time

Over these days, assume the decision is made and imagine what it is like to live with it. Listen to what your heart is telling you. Follow your feelings (the good and the bad) and try to understand them. Do not go final on the decision when you feel bad about it. Let it settle.

You can also use the “other person” technique to check difficult decisions. Imagine you are advising someone you love, respect, and want the best for. What advice would you give this person who was at this stage of the decision-making process?

Editor’s Note: This article is an excerpt from our free book, Collaborative Project Management: A Handbook.