Leading modules

LEARNING SPACE

Module 6 “Becoming the Best” – Interpersonal Skills

Unit 3: Decision Making
How to improve decision making skills/decision making techniques

Entrepreneurs are natural born problem solvers, BUT to solve problems you need to make difficult decisions. In the previous sub units we have provided you with tools and knowledge with regards to decision making. There are however some top tips to help you improve your decision making. These are:

  1. Don`t delay – Difficult decisions are difficult because they are important and mean more. Take your time to ensure that you have the resources and information you need to make an informed decision but make sure you start quickly and make the decision. Sweeping problems under the rug will not help you to make better decisions.
  2. Get rid of any ego and emotions – Some decisions can be more difficult if you become too personally involved. Of course, you need to have some emotional involvement in order to care about the decision, however make sure you can objectively solve the problem. You will make a better decision by focusing on the facts instead of and personal agendas.
  3. Ask an expert – The decision you are trying to make has probably been made in the past. Whilst the problems you are trying to solve are unique to you it is highly likely that someone else has solved the same issue on a different scale. Look online, ask a friend or another entrepreneur. Never be afraid to ask for help. It is not a sign of weakness more a sign of a great leader.
  4. Have a plan “B” – The real test of a leader is what happens in the moments following the realization that they have made the wrong decision. Great leaders always: have a plan B, take ownership of the decision they made and do not blame others.
  5. The final top tip to improve your decision-making skills is to “plan for the worst”. No-one wants to think of failure or what could happen if you make the wrong decision, but it happens. Just take 10 minutes to think about what the worst case scenario about the decision you are about to make. Know your risks and you will rest easy when making decisions.

At the end of the day everyone makes mistakes, you will get a decision wrong. Don`t beat yourself up. Instead, reflect on why it failed and you will learn from it. Knowledge is power.

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