This quote makes
sense. Yet, when it comes to the decision-making process, so many of us still
wind up paralyzed. We’re terrified of making the wrong move and as a result,
stay frozen in our tracks in the vain hopes that the correct decision becomes
increasingly apparent. You already know that isn’t a wise strategy,
particularly when it comes to managing your workload and leading your team.
Instead, it’s much better to figure out what skills and tips you can pick up to
get better at making those decisions that previously left you stuck.

Decision making
is an essential part of business in all organizations. In traditional companies
this power is typically held by few managers at the top of the organizational
ladder. Lean companies, however, strive to empower their employees to make
decisions at all levels through access to data, knowledge of evaluation
methods, and defined standard processes. Nevertheless, decisions are necessary
in all organizations and the following these guidelines can be beneficial.

1. Timing. Neither making snap decisions
   nor always having to “sleep on it” is the best approach to the time factor
   involved in making decisions. Make your decisions based upon the
   circumstance and the time available. Within the realm of practicality,
   give yourself enough time to take the following decision-making steps.
2. Define the problem. Be careful not to confuse
   symptoms of the problem with the real problem.
3. Identify the options. Try to get at least four
   alternatives. Since you may be too close to the situation, seek others’
   input.
4. Gather the facts. In order to evaluate your
   options, you must gather the facts about the ramifications of choosing
   each option. List both the pros and cons of each option.
5. Evaluate the options. Usually this will include a
   comparison of costs, time required to implement and the expected end
   result of each option.
6. Choose and put into effect. Key, and often neglected,
   aspects of implementing decisions are to communicate the decision to the
   affected parties, outline why the decision was made, why the particular
   option was picked, what actions are required on their part and what
   beneficial results are expected.

Anyone can be a
good decision-maker. Making decisions is an integral part of any job, whether
you are in an entry-level position or you make important choices on behalf of
your company as an executive.

Not every
decision will be right but if you follow these six guidelines you will find you
have many more right decisions than wrong decisions. Remember, the only thing
worse than a wrong decision is no decision.