You're struggling to make a decision. What steps can you take to improve your decision-making skills?

Decision-making is a crucial skill for career development, but it can also be challenging and stressful. Sometimes you may feel overwhelmed by the options, risks, and uncertainties involved in making a choice. How can you improve your decision-making skills and feel more confident and satisfied with your outcomes? Here are some steps you can take to enhance your strategic thinking and decision making.

1 Identify the problem

The first step is to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve or the goal you are trying to achieve. You need to understand the context, the criteria, and the constraints of your decision. Ask yourself questions like: What is the main issue? Why is it important? Who are the stakeholders? What are the desired outcomes? What are the limitations? By identifying the problem, you can narrow down your focus and avoid distractions or irrelevant factors.

Add your perspective

Sean Schofield, Ph.D.

Data-Driven Strategist | Career Development Leader | Helping People Understand & Apply Their Values, Interests & Aptitudes to Level-Up Their Career
Report contribution
In addition to the suggestions above, it is critically important to understand internal and external mandates. Including what is expected of your team in your analysis will ensure that you operate in service to the larger organization and are tying yourself (and your team) to institutional priorities.

Like
Sean Schofield, Ph.D.

Data-Driven Strategist | Career Development Leader | Helping People Understand & Apply Their Values, Interests & Aptitudes to Level-Up Their Career
Report contribution
In addition to the suggestions above, it is critically important to understand internal and external mandates. Including what is expected of your team in your analysis will ensure that you operate in service to the larger organization and are tying yourself (and your team) to institutional priorities.

Like

2 Generate alternatives

The next step is to generate as many possible solutions or options as you can. You can use brainstorming, mind mapping, research, or other creative techniques to come up with different ideas. Don't judge or filter them at this stage, just write them down and explore them. The more alternatives you have, the more likely you are to find a suitable one. You can also ask for feedback or input from others who have relevant expertise or experience.

Add your perspective

Sean Schofield, Ph.D.

Data-Driven Strategist | Career Development Leader | Helping People Understand & Apply Their Values, Interests & Aptitudes to Level-Up Their Career
Report contribution
A helpful practice to avoid dismissing ideas is to replace “yes, but…” with “yes, and…” During the ideation phase, leaders must be open to all ideas — regardless of their feasibility. Nobody is holding you to ideas at this point, and sometimes ideas that you would have immediately dismissed can be altered to support meaningful change and innovation for your organization.

Like

3 Evaluate alternatives

The third step is to evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative. You can use various tools or methods to compare and rank them, such as SWOT analysis, decision matrix, cost-benefit analysis, or scenario planning. You need to consider the feasibility, effectiveness, impact, and risks of each option. You also need to align them with your values, preferences, and goals. You may need to gather more information or data to support your evaluation.

Add your perspective

Nabeel Chaudhry

The CAREER-DEFINING Stakes are High! The "DREAM COME TRUE" Job is ONE LAST BET away! TURN THE JOB SEARCH TABLES! OWN THE INTERVIEW ROOM! BREATHE LIFE into your Resume! AWESTRUCK Recruiters! Become A NETWORKING SENSATION!
Report contribution
It's common to fall for a trap in the heat of the moment; after all we're humans. With practice, you can overcome external pressures and absorb the surrounding factors while applying reasoning to come to a conclusion. Establishing the facts and acting impartially is the key here. Decision-making should be independent of third-party or stakeholders' individual opinions. A general consensus helps take every detail into account and democracy to prevail.

Like

4 Choose the best alternative

The fourth step is to select the best alternative based on your evaluation. You need to weigh the trade-offs and consequences of your choice and be ready to justify it. You may also need to consult or communicate with others who are involved or affected by your decision. You should be confident and committed to your choice, but also flexible and open to change if new information or circumstances arise.

Add your perspective

Ava Lala

Career Coach | Helping women who are craving more meaning in their work design a career that checks all their boxes | Social impact | Working mom | Advocate for women | Click the 🔔 to get career insights 2x/week 👉🏼
Report contribution
When it comes to making the "right" decision, one of the most insightful things I've learned is that it's entirely in how we choose to view it. You may think your degree or job choice was a "mistake," but that's because you have chosen to believe that and are focusing on the evidence to back up that belief. But you could just as easily look for reasons why that decision was helpful (i.e. in making you the person you are today, in teaching you things, etc.) and realize it was a good decision. With that in mind, what if you told yourself there are no "wrong" decisions....?

Like

5 Implement the decision

The fifth step is to put your decision into action. You need to plan and execute the steps required to achieve your desired outcome. You may need to delegate tasks, allocate resources, set deadlines, monitor progress, or adjust strategies. You should also anticipate and prepare for potential challenges or obstacles that may arise along the way. You should also communicate and collaborate with others who are part of the implementation process.

Add your perspective

6 Review the decision

The sixth and final step is to review the results and outcomes of your decision. You need to measure and evaluate the performance and impact of your choice. You should also reflect on the process and the lessons learned from your decision-making experience. You should ask yourself questions like: Did you achieve your goal? What worked well? What didn't work well? What could you have done differently? How can you improve your decision-making skills for the future?

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

You're struggling to make a decision. What steps can you take to improve your decision-making skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the problem

2 Generate alternatives

3 Evaluate alternatives

4 Choose the best alternative

5 Implement the decision

6 Review the decision

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Career Development

More relevant reading

You're struggling to make a decision. What steps can you take to improve your decision-making skills?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify the problem

2 Generate alternatives

3 Evaluate alternatives

4 Choose the best alternative

5 Implement the decision

6 Review the decision

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills