Decision-making is regarded as the cognitive process resulting in the selection of a belief or a course of action among several possible alternative options. It could be either rational or irrational. The decision-making process is a reasoning process based on assumptions of values, preferences and beliefs of the decision-maker.[1] Every decision-making process produces a final choice, which may or may not prompt action. Decision-making is an important leadership skill because it helps managers. Effective decisions can save time and propel work projects forward, increasing employee productivity.

1. IMPOR
TANCEOFDECIS
ION MAKING
P
RES
ENTER
J
ULIA BELTRANO SABAS

2. “Leaders think, consider, and then make
decisions. How they think, what they
choose to consider, and what criteria they
use in making decisions, will inform every
aspect of the organization’s success or
otherwise.”
– Roger Delves, Dean of Qualifications and Professor of Practice at
Ashridge Executive Education

3. Decision-making
• Decision-making is regarded as the cognitive
process resulting in the selection of a belief or a
course of action among several possible
alternative options. It could be either rational or
irrational. The decision-making process is a
reasoning process based on assumptions
of values, preferences and beliefs of the decision-
maker.[1] Every decision-making process
produces a final choice, which may or may not
prompt action.

4. IMPORTANCE OF
Decision-making
•Decision-making is an important leadership
skill because it helps managers. Effective
decisions can save time and propel work
projects forward, increasing employee
productivity.

5. IMPORTANCE OF
Decision-making
• Managers use leadership abilities to guide their
team members and improve the organization.
Leadership may require managers to make
decisions that impact employees. To make
effective decisions as a leader, it may be helpful
to understand how decision-making skills can
help you make tough choices.

6. Why is decision-making an important
leadership skill?
•Improve workplace productivity
•Create action plans in emergency situations
•Establish trust with the employees
•Reduce conflict

7. Five important decision-making skills
Here are several skills you may use in the
decision-making process:
1. Research
2. Creativity
3. Critical Thinking
4. Time Management
5. Emotional Intelligence

9. 7 Steps of the Decision-Making
Process
•Identify the decision
•Gather relevant information
•Identify the alternatives
•Weigh the evidence
•Choose among the alternatives
•Take action
•Review your decision

10. 1. Identify the decision
•The first step in making the right
decision is recognizing the problem or
opportunity and deciding to address it.
Determine why this decision will benefit
your customers or fellow employees.

11. 2. Gather information
Next, it’s time to gather information so that
you can make a decision based on facts and
data. This requires making a value judgment,
determining what information is relevant to
the decision, and how you can get it. Ask
yourself what you need to know to make the
right decision, then actively seek out anyone
who needs to be involved.

12. 3. Identify alternatives
Once you have a clear understanding of the
issue, it’s time to identify the various
solutions at your disposal. You likely have
many options when deciding, so it is
essential to come up with a range of
options. This helps you determine which
course of action is the best way to achieve
your objective.

13. 4. Weigh the evidence
In this step, according to management experts
Phil Higson and Anthony Sturgess, you’ll need to
“evaluate for feasibility, acceptability and
desirability” to know which alternative is best.
Managers need to be able to weigh the pros and
cons, then select the option that has the highest
chance of success. It may be helpful to seek a
trusted second opinion to gain a new perspective
on the issue.

14. 5. Choose among alternatives
When it’s time to make your decision, be
sure you understand the risks involved
with your chosen route. You may also
select a combination of alternatives now
that you fully grasp all relevant
information and potential risks.

15. 6. Take action
Next, you’ll need to create an implementation
plan. This involves identifying what resources are
required and gaining support from employees
and stakeholders. Getting others on board with
your decision is a key component of executing
your plan effectively, so be prepared to address
any questions or concerns.

16. 7. Review your decision
An often-overlooked but important step
in the decision making process is
evaluating your decision for effectiveness.
Ask yourself what you did well and what
can be improved next time.

17. “Even the most experienced
business owners can learn from
their mistakes … be ready to
adapt your plan as necessary, or
to switch to another potential
solution.”
-Anonymous