A systematic approach ensures that all critical aspects of a decision are considered, reducing the likelihood of oversight.
The DECIDE framework, designed by Professor Kristina Guo, is a powerful tool for making well-considered decisions. It helps ensure that every critical aspect is addressed, improving the quality of your choices and reducing the risk of oversight.
Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the issue you need to address. Understanding the root cause of the problem is crucial before moving forward.
Establish Criteria: Determine the criteria that will guide your decision. These criteria could include cost, time, resources, impact on stakeholders, and alignment with organizational goals.
Consider Alternatives: Generate a list of possible solutions. Encourage input from your team to ensure you have a comprehensive view of the options available.
Identify the Best Alternative: Evaluate the alternatives against your established criteria. Consider the pros and cons of each option.
Develop and Implement a Plan of Action: Once you have selected the best alternative, develop a clear plan for implementation. Assign tasks, set deadlines, and ensure that all stakeholders are informed.
Evaluate the Solution: After implementation, assess the outcome of your decision. Did it solve the problem? What can you learn from the process? If necessary, make adjustments to the solution you've implemented. Use this evaluation to inform future decisions.
Learn more about the DECIDE model here.
Take Action: The next time you need to make a significant decision, practice using the DECIDE framework to guide your decision-making process. Write down each step and follow through systematically.