According to the University of Maryland website, a structured approach to decision making using a decision making model will lead to better decisions. One frequently used decision making model is described below with major and intermediate steps listed:
= Clarify purpose and boundaries of the decision
Identify who is affected by the decision
Identify who will make the decision (individual or group)
Identify what knowledge or expertise is needed to make
Identify what information or resources currently exist to
help with the decision making process
Define by when the decision needs to be made
Communicate to affected parties who is making the decision and
Define how the decision will be made (e.g. consensus, voting, etc.)
Use appropriate tools that support data gathering (e.g. affinity
Diagram, brainstorming, fishbone, flowchart, force field, how-how,
Make the decision through the integration of ideas and data, and negotiation and prioritization of ideas
Identify who (individual or group) will implement the decision
Summarize the rationale for the decision
Communicate the decision, why it was made and the rationale for it
Define the steps in implementing the decision including the timeframe for completion
Define the method for reporting when something is completed and who receives the report
Identify the process for assessing impact of decision (2002)
I recently applied many of the steps in this decision model to a job related situation in which I had been instructed by my manager to lay off on of two subordinates reporting to me in a specific position. I asked for clarification as to which person should be terminated, and my manager told me to use by best judgment. She mentioned I would have her support irrespective of who I chose to let go. I decided to exami
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