Effective Decisions at Any Level

I don’t recall an election that has captured the attention of so many Americans as this year’s presidential race. Indeed the 2008 election brought an increase in voter registration, early voting, and a greater number of ballots cast, in general. As Americans take the time to contemplate the historic significance of their decision (for example, in electing the first African-American President), we now wait to see how president-elect Barack Obama will address the range of pressing issues (a mortgage meltdown, a growing deficet, and the United State’s military role in the world) that now face this country. Our hope is that Mr. Obama’s presidency will be marked by success; yet it is worth considering, in anticipation of January’s swearing-in ceremony, the basics of good decision-making since his legacy will depend on the choices he makes while in office.

While most people like to think they make rational decisions, research indicates otherwise. Humans rely too often on intuition or past experience when making a decision, rather than follow the steps that result in exceptional decisions (Hirokawa & Gouran, 1986; March and Simon, 1958). These steps include:

1. Effective decision makers clearly define the problem.

2. Effective decision makers establish a specific goal based on the problem.

3. Effective decision makers generate a range of solutions that best solve the problem.

4. Effective decision makers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each solution.

Those who consistently follow these steps make better decisions; those who do not, make mediocre or poor decisions. The good news is that anyone can make better decisions; anyone—whether a decision is personal in nature or a decision that has direct impact on the employees of a company or the citizens of a nation.

Decisions carry consequences, especially when that decision involves selecting the leader of the free world. Inevitably president-elect Obama and vice-president elect Joe Biden will make scores of decisions over the next several years, decisions that will impact all of us. While Obama will ultimately determine the success of his presidency, you will determine your legacy. Follow the steps of effective decision making—when you face a problem—and your legacy will be marked by success.