The Art and Science of Decision-Making

A world of constant change requires us to make so many dang decisions. That's why effective decision-making is a strategic skill for a Bodacious Career and life.

Deciding what you want for lunch or who to call when your computer acts up -- these are no-brainer-type decisions. But it's easy to get overwhelmed with more complex decisions to the extent that you want to cover your eyes and just pick the answer out of a hat.

What part of the company's new product will you eliminate to make the launch deadline? Which internal customer's expectation will be compromised because of budget cuts? Should you look for another job or hang tight?

I may never have become an engineer, but one thing engineering school taught me was how to break down a problem and figure out the best solution. You certainly don't have to be an engineer to understand this approach (there's no math involved, if that's your worry). And, even though engineering seems like a science, at some point, it becomes an art form. Here's how it works:

1. Define the problem or situation. This is often the toughest part of the process. Can you express the problem in a single question? If others are involved, do they agree this is the question to be answered? Is there a truer question underneath the assumed one? Be specific and clear about what you're trying to figure out. It does you (and others) no good to solve the wrong problem.

2. Determine what you already know. Write out the facts surrounding the decision -- not opinions or feelings, but objective data. For example, if deciding the fate of a company product, list all of its existing features. Note how this product fits into the company's strategy and its contribution. Make a list of every internal and external person or constituency the product affects. Rate each feature in terms of importance by constituency. What do you need to know? Go find it, be it from a report, a Web search or by tapping into someone's knowledge.

3. List your options. Brainstorm a list of all possible ways to deal with your well-defined problem. Now rank these options from most preferred to least preferred. What's your best educated guess on the impact of each option? If needed, do some research to gain further understanding. Which option(s) are most likely to happen and why?

4. Choose the best option for you. Given this expanded understanding of the situation's landscape, what's the best choice for you? This often becomes clear once you list all of the options. If not, look carefully at how you ranked the options and the related impact. Keep in mind that complex decisions always come with trade-offs. What is your gut telling you? What decision can you live with?

5. Go for it! Given the time pressures most of us have, it's tempting to jump to this step and make some kind of decision just to get it over with. I've found that taking even a short amount of time to analyze and reflect on a problem brings huge benefits and can avoid negative consequences. Still, after you've made a decision, it's time to move forward. Stick to your decision. Consider how you're going to implement it. Then go!

6. Fail fast, learn and move on: No matter how hard you try, some decisions don't turn out for the best. When that happens, quickly regroup and rechoose. Take the stake out and replant it. Sometimes a customer's need changes or an unforeseeable event happens that requires a completely different decision. Sometimes only a minor adjustment needs to be made. Whatever the case, make it a learning experience and don't dwell.

Mary Foley, author of "Bodacious! Career: Outrageous Success for Working Women," inspires people to take charge of their lives and grow their careers and business. She draws from her 10 years at AOL, hiring hundreds of people, training managers how to interview, and being co-owner of a human resources research and consulting firm. To find out more, check out 6 Steps to Win the Job You Really Want.