Blog - Strategy

Why Decisions Fail?- Introduction: Understanding the Process and Avoiding the Pitfalls

Posted by Tim Lewko on Jan 1, 2014 10:00:00 AM

Tags: Stakeholder Requirements, Decision Making, Blogs - Strategic Transformation

Decisions are the DNA of leadership activity in all areas of business. They serve to move us all forward. Nothing every changes without a decision. Left unattested your personal, department, region, business unit or companies decision making may be flawed. Well known research by Dr. Paul Nutt reviewed over 400 decisions made by top managers involving such topics as products and services, pricing and markets, personnel policy, technology acquisition, and strategic reorganization. ( meaning – the original purpose or intent of the decision did not occur). Thinking Dimensions Global research bears out these same statistics. Our decision making assessments with clients – across 3 continents – showed that less than 45% company decisions are implemented or apply a common approach.

 

Many of today’s articles on decision making seek to debate rational vs intuitive decision making or spirit the advances in neurological research.  We applaud these divergent discussions but in this blog series on decision making we set a middle ground outlining practical executive and managers techniques and tactics to improve your decision making hit rate!

During a series blogs we will provide you with 8 pitfalls that can counteract poor decision making and boost your own results. The 8 pitfalls that will be covered include:

  1. First - When faced with a crisis we accept the first feasible answer presented.
  2. Debate- When faced with a decision we start with alternatives.
  3. Purpose -  The purpose for a decision is seldom clear.
  4. What if – Risks are rarely considered.
  5. Involve – Stakeholders requirements not considered.
  6. Event - Decision making as an event versus series of action implemented over time
  7. Visible - Not making decision making visible
  8. Emotion -Emotion versus data guides it

We look forward to sharing our practical tips and stories outlined why decisions fail.