April 27, 2012
Effective Decision Making Process
Every business opportunity, every operational activity, and every financial budget requires decisions. Decisions can be made in an ad-hoc, instantaneous manner, but we have all encountered challenges that occur after a snap decision.
Effective decision making processes set the stage for standards for making the right decision, involving the right people in your organization, with appropriate tools and mechanisms. Great effective decision making processes will make your organization and professionals more responsible and accountable for decisions made
As an entrepreneur you will develop procedures that will need to be done to make a decision. You will integrate specific staff members, at all levels, into the decision making process that will make a better informed, effective decision.
Elements of Effective Decision Making Process
Similar to a strategic planning cycle, decision making processes follow a set of steps:
- Identification of the Issue
- Development of options to resolve
- Selection of the best option
- Recommendation of the option
- Approval of the proposed solution
- Implementation of the best option
- Measurement of result
- Revision of the process / options
You will determine who on your team should be involved and should participate in decision making. You will want to involve those who are functional specialists who will inform you on the best operational, ground-level solution and what the implications are. You will also want to involve unit managers and supervisors who can recommend the best option after being informed by their area experts. Keep in mind, you want to have a streamlined decision making process and not to include too many. Less is best when decision time frames need to be considered or if client services are impacted by decision time frames. You can still develop a highly accountable decision making process with select staff, streamlining approvals through one stream of employees.Effective Decision Making Processes – Determining Priorities
Decisions need to be prioritized, with reference to many factors that do go into why decision need to be made and to determine which decisions need to be focused on and approved first.
You may determine priority decisions be made by the following factors:
- Time factor or time limiting
- Emerging, immediate needs
- Client service focus
- Financial impacts
- Risks to the organization
Effective Decision Making Processes – Risk Management
A strong and embedded effective decision making process in your business will minimize the risk to all aspects of your business along the way. As mentioned the stronger your decision making process, the more accountable your staff, units, managers and the business itself will be. As a good planning practice, you should develop your business plan to reflect effective decision making processes at operational, management and corporate levels.
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© 2012 Strategy Plan One
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