Sometimes we have to make decisions that involve hard choices. With the realization that not making a decision is, in fact, making a decision, here are some hints to help you decide.
• Defer don’t procrastinate. Making an immediate decision may not be the best idea. Neither is simply procrastinating. Set a deadline for your decision and use that time to research and prepare.
• Analyze the options. Review the costs, benefits, and assumptions involved. The results of your analysis will help you to make an informed decision, backed up with hard data.
• Consult or brainstorm with someone else. They may have ideas that you had not considered.
• Use your instinct. Listen to your inner voice as another resource.
• Choose what not to lose. Sometimes there is no clear winner between the choices so don’t compare what you stand to gain but consider what you might stand to lose with a particular choice.
• Share your tentative decision with someone you trust and is not affected by your decision and ask them to give you honest feedback. This will help you to remain objective and give your approach a sanity check.
• Picture yourself after the decision is made. How do you feel? Are there regrets? Does it feel “right?”
• After all this….make a decision and hope for the best!
(From Dr. Mimi Hull’s program on the “Art of Leadership”)