Five Fast Ways to Make Quicker and Better Decisions
Being an efficient decision-maker can often make a difference in missed opportunities. You have to be decisive, and often you have to make quick decisions, but you want to be sure you are making the best choice. So how do you make quicker and better decisions? How do you become more accurate and effective at making decisions when it counts?
You have to be decisive. Making important decisions in less time means more power and control over your life. It also means that you will have the opportunity to gain the trust of others. Being able to make important decisions will enhance your business and personal life.
Start with making small decisions in a timely fashion to help train your brain to think through questions more quickly. You will be surprised at how quickly our brains can be conditioned. Follow these five tips to help put your decision-making process in the fast lane.
What is the Objective?
Your S.M.A.R.T. goals will play a vital part in your decision-making process. Knowing the objectives of the decision and knowing your mission will help make the decision-making process simple.
Ask Yourself: "What are we really trying to do here?"
Write it out, brainstorm, and discuss. Is it your role to solve this problem? Do you have the tools needed? It is vital that your decision, any decision, is within your mission.
Seek Out Wisdom and Knowledge
Seek out wise counsel. Really. If you are surrounded by more experienced professionals who have done what you are about to do, ask questions and inform yourself. Do needed research. Don’t let pride or proving that you have it “all under control” blind you to great resources all around you.
It Does NOT Have to be Perfect
Don’t overthink - just start. Make a plan. An imperfect, real plan. Start doing the work that is deciding and solving. Take note of the effects and response to your action. This way, you can adjust if needed.
Adjust Early...
…it’s ok to fail, but fail fast and move on.
Be humble - adjust early if needed. Don’t run the train off the track because you are unwilling to admit that you made a mistake. If your choice was wrong, own up to it in a professional way and make things right to the best of your ability. It’s better to win the fight after a change of tactics than to get knocked out by your own ego and pride.
Decision-making does not have to be tedious and stressful. An important part of the process is to know what you truly have power over, to control only what YOU can control. If it’s not your decision to make, stay out of the control room. Zero in only on what you have the ability to decide on. This means staying focused and being able to take action without becoming overwhelmed by the details.
With the right attitude, planning, and strategy, you can become a faster, more efficient, and competent decision-maker. This is a great tool for the corporate world and everyday life.