Effective Decision Making

Anita Rao

April 2013

Y?

Once you make a decision, the universe

conspires to make it happen. ~Ralph Waldo

Emerson

Agenda

3 Cs of Decision Making

Two approaches to decision making

Point-counterpoint

Tool – Logical Decision Making

Decision making framework

Q&A

The 3 Cs of Decision Making

• Convey openness

• Listen attentively

• Explain rationale behind the decision

• Deciding too early

• Deciding too late

• Require vigorous debate

• Prohibit language that triggers defensiveness

• Break up natural coalitions

• Shift individuals out of natural grooves

• Challenge stalemated participants

Consideration Closure Constructive Conflict

Source David Garvin & Michael Roberto

Two approaches to Decision Making

Advocacy Inquiry

Concept of decision

making

A contest Collaborative problem

solving

Purpose of discussion Persuasion & lobbying Testing and evaluation

Participant’s role Spokespeople Critical thinkers

Patterns of behavior Strive to persuade others

Defend your position

Present balanced arguments

Remain open to alternatives

Minority views Discouraged or dismissed Cultivated & valued

Outcome Winners & losers Collective ownership

Source David Garvin & Michael Roberto

Structuring the debate – Point-counterpoint

Team divided into 2 groups

• Generate one or more alternative plans of action

• Develop a proposal

• Flush out recommendations, key assumptions & critical supporting data

• Present the proposal in written & oral forms

Group A Group B

6

Subgroups come together. Debate proposals, seek agreement on common set of assumptions. They strive to agree on a common set of recommendations.

Source David Garvin & Michael Roberto

Tool – Making Decisions Logical &

Defensible

Selection

Criteria

Selection

Criteria

Option 1 Option 2

Brainstormed

Criteria

Criteria

clarified &

ranked

Highest

Rated

Option Second

Highest

Rated

Option

Risks &

limitations

How the risks

can be

minimized

Risks &

limitations

How the risks

can be

minimized

Assess risks and limitations for each of the highest rated options

Source Murray Hiebert & Bruce Klatt

Improving decision making

A Framework

List & prioritize the decisions that must be

made

Assess the factors that go into each, frequency, what information is available to support it

Design the roles, processes, systems & behaviors

Institutionalize tools & assistance

1 2 3 4

Source Thomas Davenport

Using the power of decision gives you the capacity to get past any

excuse to change any and every part of your life in an

instant Anthony Robbins

Thank You

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