You're faced with a complex problem at work. How do you ensure your decision-making process is effective?

Being a senior manager for the past few years, one major problem I noticed was that, many people are too eager to act, make changes without investing enough time to discover what the root cause of a problem was. Causing us to often get stuck in changing and fixing what the surface issue is, instead of fixing the true problem at hand. For example, management once told me that they want to improve their sales number. After investing months into changing strategy and implementing new methods, I realised that the issue was not the sales team but it was a company culture issue. Abraham Lincoln once said “ Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Take away: Spend time discovering your 80-20!

In life of a leader , most of the problems faced are either new and/ or of a complex nature. Most problems have a solution,but finding is the issue. To my mind to find a solution one needs to deep dive into the problem, create a frame work, with buckets, which is mutually exclusive but combined together exhaustive, which will then enable you eliminate the ones that to your mind are not very relevant and / beyond your reach or control. For the ones that you find to be the causes, either find solutions yourself ( if capable) or discuss with your team, and most probably the solution will be found in the brainstorming with team and your own experience and wisdom. Lastly ,but not always advisable unless critical , get external experts help.

If only we could somehow ensure that our decisions are always effective, we would all be making the right decisions. However, we can come close by gathering as much information regarding the situation, avoid making assumptions, and/or allow our own personal emotions to affect our decision making process. Personally I have found putting myself on the couch and looking at a situation as if I am watching a show on TV, tends to provide me with the perspective I need to make an effective decision.

No matter what the challenge you are facing, the first step should always be diving into a comprehensive collection of information. I always look to create a detailed mosaic trying really hard to reveal all the facets of the problem. Having a good visualization of what we are facing and learning how and when to delegate are what helps me the most every time. Collaboration should not be overlooked and the most relevant information we gather, the more prepared we are to face challenges and drive to significant improvement.

In addition to brainstorming with colleagues, leverage diverse perspectives by involving cross-functional teams or external experts. These varied viewpoints can bring fresh insights and innovative solutions that might be overlooked within a homogenous group. Utilize decision-making frameworks, such as SWOT analysis or cost-benefit analysis, to systematically evaluate each option's potential impact. Furthermore, consider running small-scale pilots or simulations to test the feasibility of promising ideas before committing fully. This iterative and inclusive approach ensures a thorough exploration of solutions, fostering well-rounded and effective decision-making.

Whenever I face a problem in a work environment, I always like to consider the impact of potential decisions that I will make in that situation. Following this step almost always requires me to evaluate the problem from multiple angles, understand the consequences of various actions, and assess how each option aligns with the organization's goals. In a situation like this, you have to thoroughly analyze the potential outcomes, you can identify which decisions will most effectively address the problem while minimizing risks, optimizing workflow, and maximizing benefits.

I like to assess the situation when I face complex problems at work. In my experience, conducting a thorough impact assessment usually allows me to gain insight and gather resources essential to resolving the situation. Gathering resources and using insights from the assessment allows me to make an informed decision. With a clear understanding of the implications, you can confidently choose the course of action that best meets the needs of the situation. I find it resourceful to understand and weigh the pros and cons of each option and select the one that offers the most strategic advantage.

I like to explore my options and finally, implement the solution effectively. In my experience, implementing the solution is a critical step, as even the best decisions can fail if not executed properly. For this reason, it is important to ensure that you have a clear plan for implementation, including timelines, resources, and responsibilities. Communicate the decision and its rationale to all stakeholders, and monitor progress closely to address any issues that arise during the implementation process.