Good decision-making is the mark of a good leader, because decisions are what leads us down the path to abundance or the path of failure. A manager is, by definition, a leader, even if their team is very small, so it’s very important to learn how to improve their process of making decisions. Let’s take a look at some useful strategies that can help you make better choices.

  • Take the scientific approach

Approach

If there is one thing scientists and researchers need to make decision, it’s evidence. Take a page from their book and try to use the evidence at your disposal to make a good, solid choice. Consider data reports, studies, previous results and other things that are objective. Give yourself time to gather and consider the evidence you can access to support your decision.

  • Be flexible with your perspective

Perspective

There is more than one way of looking at the problem. Try coming up with at least three each time you are faced with a decision. Consider it from different points of view, thinking about what’s best on the short-term or on the long-term, from the perspective of your employees and so on. While it may seem hard at first, with practice you’ll find it easier to look on a problem from several points of view.

  • Ask other people

Ask

You shouldn’t delegate your decisions, but asking for other people’s opinions is a good idea. Others can catch flaws in our reasoning that we may be blind to and provide new ideas. Remember that asking for suggestions doesn’t mean you have to accept those suggestions, but it can help you see new details or a new approach.

  • Try new things

Try

Often, we may go for the option that seems most familiar or the one that seems likely to uphold the status quo. However, it’s a good idea to take risks and to consider new possible solutions that might take you outside of your comfort zone.

  • Be the devil’s advocate

Advocate

When you are evaluating each choice, focus on the positive first. However, before choosing, try to play the devil’s advocate for each of the options. Consider the potential pitfalls and mistakes and try arguing against the choice as well as for the choice.

  • Don’t stick with an option

Options

Sometimes, from the start we are oriented to a single solution, so we only see others to prove to ourselves that all others won’t work. However, this approach is very limiting. If you find it hard to compare other choices to the one you prefer too much, take it off the table for a bit and compare the other choices among each other.

Here are a few ideas you can use to improve your decision-making skills as a manager. If you feel that you need a breakthrough in this area or want to do more to improve your decision-making skills (and if you are in the Sydney, Australia area), you can reach out to http://www.breakthroughcorporatetraining.com.au/ to receive a personalized coaching session or a free consultation to help you make much better decisions.