Are You a Good Decision Maker?
The first step to good decision making is to establish a process that can be applied to any situation. This article from the U.S. Small Business Administration lays out the basics: 10 steps to follow and the most common mistakes to avoid.
High-Stakes Decision Making: The Lessons of Mount Everest
If you’ve mastered the basics of decision making in day-to-day situations, high-stakes dilemmas still may trip you up — and there is no higher stake than your life. In this article, Harvard business professor Michael A. Roberto finds valuable lessons for managers by examining the events and risky decisions that led to the tragic deaths of five mountaineers on Mt. Everest.
Why Making Decisions the Right Way Is More Important Than Making the Right Decisions
Organizations, like many individuals, often shy away from conflict. Voicing dissent can be uncomfortable and it’s natural for managers to want to defer to a charismatic leader or expert. Whatever the reasons, the absence of healthy debate can lead to the making of faulty decisions. This article from Ivey Business Journal makes the case for why organizations need to put in place a decision-making process that encourages dissent while still building a final consensus.
Why a Strong Leader Shouldn’t Stand Alone
What can we learn about decision making from examples of heroic leadership and heroic deeds? Maybe all the things we shouldn’t do. This article from consulting firm DQI offers 10 principles, which remind leaders that team dynamics and humility in a daunting environment often can be more important than strong leadership.
The Role of Critical Thinking in Effective Decision Making
Preconceived notions are deadly to effective decision making. In this article you’ll find strategies for how managers can become more aware of their subconscious assumptions and prejudices. By understanding the mechanics of their reasoning, leaders can understand what they don’t know, and make better decisions as a result.
