Not every question in this list will help you in every situation. This is simply a check list to help you keep from overlooking important considerations before confirming and carrying out major decisions.
- At it’s essence – in one sentence – what is the decision I’m really facing? What is the bottom, bottom line?
- Am I dealing with a cause or a symptom? A means or an end?
- Am I thinking about this situation with a clear head or am I fatigued to the point that I shouldn’t be making any major decisions.
- What would the ideal solution be in this situation?
- Should I seek outside counsel in making this decision?
- What are the hidden agendas that are pushing for a decision in this situation? Why do we or they want a change? What is the source of the emotional fuel that is driving this decision?
- If I had to decide in the next two minutes – what decision would I make and why?
- What decision would I expect each of my three most respected advisors to favor in this situation?
- Can an overall decision in this situation be divided into parts, with sub-decision.
- What are the key assumptions in my thinking that underline the decision I’m leaning toward? What do I assume it will cost? What do I assume will be it’s real benefits?
- Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? How much?
- Have I given myself 24 hours to let this decision settle in my mind?
- Is this decision consistent with our values in the past, or does it mark a change in direction or standards?
- How will this decision affect our overall master plan? Will it side track us?
- Will this decision help to maximize my key strengths?
- Have I verified what the results have been for others who have made a similar decision in similar circumstances? Have I verified this thoroughly?
- How do I really feel about this decision?
- Is this the decision I would make if our budget was twice as large as it is? Half as large? One-tenth as large? Is it the same decision I would make if we had twice as many staff members? Half as many?
- What would happen if we did not carry out this decision?
- If we didn’t carry it out, what would be the best three alternative decisions?
- Is this the best timing for carrying out this decision? If now now, why and when?
- Is this truly appropriate in scope and size to the situation we face? Am I possibly hunting an elephant with a BB gun, or a rabbit with a cannon?
- How does my family feel about this decision? How will it affect them?
- What aspects of the problem will not be resolved or solved by this decision?
- Should we write a policy about this decision to guide us in similar situations in the future?