Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions.
Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives. This approach increases the chances that you will choose the most satisfying alternative possible.
Download the PDF
Step 1: Identify the decision
You realize that you need to make a decision. Try to clearly define the nature of the decision you must make. This first step is very important.
Step 2: Gather relevant information
Collect some pertinent information before you make your decision: what information is needed, the best sources of information, and how to get it. This step involves both internal and external “work.” Some information is internal: you’ll seek it through a process of self-assessment. Other information is external: you’ll find it online, in books, from other people, and from other sources.
Step 3: Identify the alternatives
As you collect information, you will probably identify several possible paths of action, or alternatives. You can also use your imagination and additional information to construct new alternatives. In this step, you will list all possible and desirable alternatives.
Step 4: Weigh the evidence
Draw on your information and emotions to imagine what it would be like if you carried out each of the alternatives to the end. Evaluate whether the need identified in Step 1 would be met or resolved through the use of each alternative. As you go through this difficult internal process, you’ll begin to favor certain alternatives: those that seem to have a higher potential for reaching your goal. Finally, place the alternatives in a priority order, based upon your own value system.
Step 5: Choose among alternatives
Once you have weighed all the evidence, you are ready to select the alternative that seems to be best one for you. You may even choose a combination of alternatives. Your choice in Step 5 may very likely be the same or similar to the alternative you placed at the top of your list at the end of Step 4.
Step 6: Take action
You’re now ready to take some positive action by beginning to implement the alternative you chose in Step 5.
Step 7: Review your decision & its consequences
In this final step, consider the results of your decision and evaluate whether or not it has resolved the need you identified in Step 1. If the decision hasnotmet the identified need, you may want to repeat certain steps of the process to make a new decision. For example, you might want to gather more detailed or somewhat different information or explore additional alternatives.
FAQs
When answering the question "How do you approach decision-making?", it's important to be clear, concise, and honest. Start by elaborating on the problem-solving process you use. Explain how you gather and evaluate information, identify alternatives, and assess the risks and benefits of each option.
What is the decision-making process in short answer? ›
Decision making is the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help you make more deliberate, thoughtful decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives.
What is a sample answer for decision-making? ›
Sample answer:
“I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. I also consider the potential impact on the project or organization. When under pressure, I stay calm, gather all necessary information, and if possible, consult with a colleague before making a decision.”
What are the steps of the decision-making process your answer? ›
The 7 steps of the decision making process
- Step 1: Identify the decision that needs to be made. ...
- Step 2: Gather relevant information. ...
- Step 3: Identify alternative solutions. ...
- Step 4: Weigh the evidence. ...
- Step 5: Choose among the alternatives. ...
- Step 6: Take action. ...
- Step 7: Review your decision and its impact (both good and bad)
For example, when a product is under development, it is expected that a business will have to take action on what direction they want their product to take. This is the most important decision because all of the previous research, thought processes, investments, and time have been leading up to this step.
What best describes the decision-making process? ›
A decision-making process is a series of steps one or more individuals take to determine the best option or course of action to address a specific problem or situation. Often, managers and executives use the process to plan how to carry out business initiatives or set specific actions in motion.
What are 4 types of decision-making process? ›
Decision making is the selection of a procedure to weigh alternatives and find a solution to a problem. The four styles of decision-making are directive, conceptual, analytical, and behavioral options. Every leader has a preference of how to analyze a problem and come to a solution.
What are the five 5 decision-making process? ›
The decision-making process includes the following steps: define, identify, assess, consider, implement, and evaluate. Today we're going to think together a little bit about the decision-making process.
What is a decision short answer? ›
1. the act or process of deciding; determination, as of a question or doubt, by making a judgment. They must make a decision between these two contestants. 2. the act of or need for making up one's mind.
What is decision-making in one sentence? ›
noun. : the act or process of deciding something especially with a group of people. The project will require some difficult decision-making. All members of the organization have a role in decision-making.
A good yet simple example of decision-making would be if you are trying to decide what to eat for dinner. You would first gather all of the information about what you are hungry for and what you have available to cook. Then, you would recognize and define the problem (I need to decide what to eat).
What are the 5 decision-making questions? ›
Five Ws and an H: Asking the right questions
When I have a decision to make, asking who, what, when, where, why and how offers the minimum information needed to make an informed decision while avoiding data overkill.
What is the decision-making process answer? ›
The business decision-making process is a step-by-step process allowing professionals to solve problems by weighing evidence, examining alternatives, and choosing a path from there. This defined process also provides an opportunity, at the end, to review whether the decision was the right one.
What is a better word for decision-making? ›
choice, pick, selection.
What makes a good decision? ›
A high quality (good) decision is based on a methodical analysis of the available information and on sound reasoning. The goodness of a decision (its quality) is a measure of how well informed the decision maker was when they chose between the options available to them.
What are the types of decision-making process explain with an example? ›
Decision making can also be classified into three categories based on the level at which they occur. Strategic decisions set the course of organization. Tactical decisions are decisions about how things will get done. Finally, operational decisions are decisions that employees make each day to run the organization.
How do you describe your decision-making skills? ›
Decision-making skills are all of the skills you need to make an informed, rational decision. Someone with good decision-making skills at work can assess all the facts, understand the company's current state and goal state, and choose the best course of action.
What are examples of decision-making interview questions? ›
General Decision-Making Interview Questions
- Tell me about a time when you had to make a tough decision. ...
- Tell me about a time when you misjudged a situation and made the wrong decision. ...
- Tell me about a time when you had to make a big decision on short notice.
An example could be conducting comprehensive research before proposing a solution to a complex problem. Or, it could be collaborating with different stakeholders to ensure a well-informed decision that considers various perspectives.
