Back-to-basics: How to make great decisions

Making a good decision means weighing up options to land on the one that has the best chance of a successful outcome. That could mean making a simple decision yourself about which platform to post on, or more complex decisions, like whether to launch a new service.

 

Your decision-making methods will differ depending on the scale and impact of the outcome. For example, some will require a longer process and wider input, involving stakeholders and surveys. And some decisions will need to be made as a group.

 

When you’re making decisions as an individual, there are good practice principles to guide your process. Here are some pointers to help you make informed, well-considered decisions.

 

 

Know yourself and trust your decision-making

 

The decisions you make are naturally affected by your own experiences, biases, and traits. Being aware of them can help to make sure they don’t sway your judgment or steer you into bad decisions. For example, if you’re a natural risk-taker, you might feel comfortable taking bolder choices, while those who are more cautious might miss out on opportunities by playing it too safe. Understanding what your natural inclinations are can stop them preventing you from making the most appropriate decisions in any given situation.

 

 

Know what you’re aiming to achieve

 

Before getting stuck into the detail, make sure you know what the objective is. Having sight of a clear goal can keep you on track if there are a lot of factors to consider. For example, if you’re choosing which image to use for a campaign, what do you want the effect to be? Uplifting? Shock? Clearly identifiable as your charity’s brand? Knowing what the specific goal of the decision is can make the process more focused.  

 

 

Gather the right information for your decision

 

If you don’t have enough information about an issue, it’s impossible to make an informed and considered decision.

 

That doesn’t mean asking everyone for their opinion. Ask those people who are closest to the issue and who have the most in-depth knowledge about it. If you gather the right information, you’ll have a better understanding of the problem and be able to make a smart decision.

 

That process will also help you to see the issue in a wider context. Will the decision you make have knock-on effects on your team, or other parts of the organisation? If so, you might need to expand your perspective and ask more questions.

 

In some situations, data can be an important part of the process – and that needn’t be complicated or daunting. Take a look at our articles on using predictive analysis as part of your decision-making process or data analytics for small charities.

 

 

Remember that it’s your decision to make

 

If it’s your decision (rather than as part of a team or board), you might be tempted to look for a consensus from the people you speak to. Be cautious of asking for too many opinions.

 

The purpose of talking to other people is for you to learn from your conversations. Ask for others’ opinions, but then use them to make your own mind up.

 

 

Use the time you have to make the decision

 

You might be naturally decisive and able to make decisions quickly and under pressure. Or maybe you prefer to digest every last detail before choosing a plan of action.

 

Either way, it’s unlikely a rushed decision will be the best one. If you’re pushed for time, it’s more likely you’ll rely on instinct and biases, rather than being able to look at a situation objectively. 

 

If you don’t feel you have enough time to properly gather and digest all the information you need, then ask if your deadline can shift. For more complex problem-solving, it’s much better to take the time you need rather than racing through and making a decision before you’re good and ready.  

 

 

Communicate the decision and reasons for making it

 

If your decision affects other colleagues or teams, then it can be helpful to explain why you chose a particular route and the process you went through. This can help to get buy-in and make sure everyone has the same level of understanding when implementing any changes. 

 

 

Hone your decision-making skills

 

It’s always good practice to reflect on a decision. Take a little time to think about what went well about the process and whether it was a successful outcome. Consider what you would repeat and what you would do differently next time. You might also like to ask a line manager or trusted colleague for their input. It can often be helpful to find out how others would approach a problem.

 

And if you’re keen to improve your decision-making skills, there are lots of online courses available, including those on Udemy, FutureLearn, and LinkedIn. You might also want to read our article on how to finesse financial decision-making.