A 2-Minute Tip on Avoiding the Decision Trap (Or Judging When to Pause for a Quality Decision)

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A 2-Minute Tip on Avoiding the Decision Trap (Or Judging When to Pause for a Quality Decision)

Even small decisions can cause damaging chain reactions. There are ways of managing the risks.

An effective decision-making system helps you:

Reduce the risk of unforeseen effects
Make the best use of opportunities
Cover all the risks and opportunities, not just the obvious ones

The Decision Trap

The decision trap refers to the natural instinct to immediately react to an issue by deciding what to do about it. A large proportion of decisions that go wrong in business (and government) owe their failure to this trap.

The Warning Signs

Asking 2 simple questions can warn you to be careful:

“Is there any risk that your decision could lead to important negative consequences that you would regret?”
“Is there likely to be an important or material difference between an ordinary decision and a very astute decision?”

If you answer NO to both, a quality decision is not required. Just follow your instincts.

If you answer YES to either question it means that a structured approach to making a quality solution might be appropriate.

In future issues, watch for some 2-minute tips about what to do when a quality decision is required.

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Comments (3) add comment

Jim said:

...
Is this an example? “it’s not as simple as it sounds. It calls for a change of attitude or habit”.

Jim

March 27, 2009

Frank said:

...
“I also believe in the saying “he who hesitates loses” but I take your point that sometimes it is wise to stop and think. I am interested in your view of what you stop and think about though. Will you have a tip for that?”

Frank

March 27, 2009

Frank said:

...
Re Jim's comment, do you have any suggestions for how I could implement this idea - ie make it part of my every day thinking?

Mary

March 27, 2009

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