Decision-Making for Dummies

It is difficult to comprehend that in major organisations, decision-making is continually the archilles heel. The trouble with decision-making is with the individuals. Every individual plays a part - whether it is a decision by an individual or a collective decision.

Many books on Organisations, Leadership, etc, will articulate how decision-making, be it as a model or process, should be done. In theory, it is definitely logical. When it comes to practice, it is, at times, perplexing. There are many facets to making proper and sound decisions. To make a certain "decision", one has to consider multiple aspects and as you rise higher in your organisation, the mutiple aspects becomes a multitude. The range of factors to consider while making decisions include "Will it affect me in any way", "Will I have extra work to do", "Will the staff be happy", "Will it inconvenience others", "Will I score points"... and the list goes on. I thought that the main fundamental is to "Will it do good for the organisation".

So, although many have complained about decisions being made, it is not easy for personnel beyond the managerial-level, given that they have to answer for their decisions.

Decision-making is, however, part of everyday life and we must be able to be "make that decision" rather than "please consult my boss" all the time. My humble opinion is that, the fundamental to good decision-making should be based on one's principles and ethics. One must be willingly accountable to his decisions, else the decision will not carry weight. I firmly believe also that - if it is within your power to influence or even make a decision, make it. I am not asking everyone to be foolhardy in making decisions, just outweigh the pros and cons, considering the different hygiene factors in the process.