No Crystal Ball by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC
In a fairy tale world we would have a crystal ball to guide us through every tough decision. The reality is, however, that decision making is seldom so straightforward – and there is never a guarantee that we’ll get it right every time.
Important Steps In Decision Making
While we can’t predict the future, we can follow some tried-and-tested steps to give ourselves the best shot at making rational and effective decisions.
The first step is to recognize when an important decision has to be made. This might sound basic, but it’s important to take a moment to clearly define what’s at stake at that specific point in time and to understand the options you have on the table. Getting clarity right from the start sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Once you know what you have to make a decision about, your next step is to start gathering information. This is where you dig into the facts, consult with others, and look at both internal and external sources. The most important thing at this point is to be thorough but not to get lost in what is known as ‘analysis paralysis’. Focus on what is really relevant to your decision – and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek input from people with different perspectives.
With this information on the table, you can start brainstorming alternatives. It’s very seldom that there will be just one way ahead, so you should consider the whole range of options – even those that might seem a little out of the box. Sometimes the best solution is the one you hadn’t thought of at first glance.
Next in line is to look at all the available evidence. This is where you consider every alternative and weigh its pros and cons. Imagine what it would look like to follow each path, and think about the short- and long-term impacts. Try to balance your gut instincts with the facts you’ve gathered. If you’re stuck, talking things through with a trusted colleague or friend will often help you to see things from a new angle.
Choosing The Best Alternative
After evaluating the available options, it’s time to choose the best alternative. This could often mean making a tough call or accepting that there’s no perfect answer. What matters is that your choice aligns with your goals and values, and that you’re confident you’ve considered all the most important factors.
Take Action And Monitor Progress
Once you’ve made your decision, the next step is to put it into action. Create a plan, communicate clearly with everyone involved, and make sure you have the necessary resources you need to follow through.
And don’t forget to check in on your progress. Monitoring the results and being willing to adapt if things don’t go as planned is a crucial part of the process.
Reflect And Learn
Finally, take time to reflect on how things went. What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? Decision making is as much about learning and growing as it is about getting it right. No one has a crystal ball, but by following the above approach, you will be able to navigate uncertainty with a lot more confidence.