Good decision making is a critical skill. While many people use the pro versus con method of deciding we’ve found that the Kepner Tregoe rational model for decision making is superior. It includes risk analysis which is an overlooked component that is missing in the pro/con analysis.
The rational model includes clearly describing the decision and then developing decision criteria called objectives. Categorize the objectives as either required (must) or optional (want). Develop a list of alternatives and then evaluate the alternatives against the objectives. The missing step is to analyze the potential risks of your final choice.
Tips to enhance your decision making process:
- Get to the point – Focus on the most important piece of the decision. Don’t overload the decision with superfluous details and extraneous facts.
- Discipline – Good decisions come from disciplined thinking. Use a process and allow adequate time to make a good decision. There are times that an immediate response is required. However, if you need time for contemplation, don’t shortchange yourself.
- Record – Track your decisions and the outcomes. This will give you statistical data about your decision making process. Use the data to refine and improve your decision making.
If you are random in your application of a decision process you will get random outcomes. We encourage you to develop an intentional approach to decision making that you consistently apply. The more consistent you are the better your decision skills become.
When to use
- When you want more than a simple pro versus con list and need a more robust decision process.
- When it is important to include risk analysis as part of your decision.
- When you need to distinguish between required (must) and optional (want) decision criteria.
- When you are facing a significant choice with multiple alternatives to evaluate.
- When you want to improve your decision skills by using a consistent, intentional process.
TL;DR
- Move beyond simple pro versus con lists by using a rational decision model.
- Define clear objectives and separate them into required (must) and optional (want).
- Generate alternatives and evaluate them against your objectives.
- Include risk analysis of your final choice as a critical step.
- Apply your decision process consistently and track outcomes to improve over time.