Get to the Root of the Problem

Were there times when you desperately needed to make a decision but found yourself running around in circles instead? It is likely that you failed to come to a conclusion because you were cornered by your own perspective.

Here is the sharing on some of the difficulties a decision maker encounters when it comes to making tough decisions.

Lack of Clear Objectives

• Making a decision requires a clear objective.
• Until you figure out what is your true objective, perhaps you might want to revisit your decision question.
• Align your decision to your main objective.

Lack of Clear Constraints

• The focus is usually on the boundary of the constraint and not what can be done within.
• For example, when you hear words like “budget constraints”, you normally think that nothing much can be done about it.
• A good decision maker embraces constraints and works within them to create the right outcome.
• Of course, too many obstacles make it difficult to arrive at a solution.
• So it is important to identify only the key constraints in the decision process.

Lack of Clear Perspective

• The lack of fresh perspectives is one of the key hurdles that hampers decision-making.
• It is more difficult for a person to look at the situation from another angle if he has a vested interest in a decision.
• He may prefer one or two options over the other, regardless of merit.
• His rationale is formed by his experiences, expertise or assumptions, which may not be appropriate for the situation at hand.
• The inability to reframe his thoughts will lead him back to his problem.
• A good decision maker must be able to shift his focus, look at his constraints and assumptions objectively and understand the limits of his thinking.

Difficulty with Emotions

• Almost all decision-making models view emotions as a hindrance to good decisions.
• However, your intuition has been honed by years of decision-making success.
• Instead of ignoring the key element of our humanity, we should learn to use it to greater effect.

Difficulty in Selecting the right option

• Experienced decision-makers face difficulties in selecting the right option because of the possibility of a bad outcome.
• This fear paralyses the decision-maker as the outcome is being delayed waiting for the “right time” or “more information”.
• Sometimes the longer you wait, the greater the chance that circumstances have shifted out of your favor and the higher the chance of a bad outcome.
• If a decision has to be made, make it fast.

Choose the option that meets all your constraints, complements your decision objective and the amount of resources you have and holds the least or most manageable risk.


*** Extract from The Straits Times (RECRUIT), Tuesday, August 26, 2008