Management Tip of the Day: 3 Tips for Masterful Decision-Making

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile FEBRUARY 2, 2010 3 Tips for Masterful Decision-Making Whether you believe in making decisions swiftly and decisively or with more caution and deliberation, try these three tips to help you reach better conclusions and avoid decision-traps: Get the right minds on the job. Decision-making is the process of converting input into output. To make the best decision, optimize your input by getting the opinions and insights of trusted people who know the arena best. Decide how you will decide. Bickering often happens around the decision-making process. Be clear with yourself and others involved about the steps you will take to reach the decision. Demand diversity. Too much agreement is dangerous — you need dissenting opinions. Give a minority viewpoint a voice or appoint a devil's advocate. Listening to the "other side" will give you a more robust answer. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Obama and Afghanistan: Deciding vs. Deliberating" by Michael Watkins. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Decision Making Collection Special Collection — Save 10%! This specially priced collection examines decision-making biases, frameworks for simplifying complex decisions, the role of intuition in decision making, and the increasing need for quick decisions. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: ALSO OF INTEREST Introduction: Skillful Decision Making Who Has the D? Leader's Framework for Decision Making Decision Making: The Heart of Strategy Collection Role Play: Decision Making Exercise PREVIOUS TIPS Forget Breakthroughs: Take Innovation Baby Steps 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online Be a Better Listener How to Set Up a Growth Group 3 Steps for Asking for Help without Looking Stupid Get Creative by Zoning Out How to Manage Your Pet Peeve 4 Tips for Deciding Whether to Accept a Project How to Approach a Colleague Who Is Making Mistakes 3 Tips for Hiring Former Employees HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)