Decision making is a key skill that is important in both personal and professional contexts. There are two main types of decision making - objective, logical decisions based on facts and data, and subjective, qualitative decisions based more on emotions and perspectives. Good decision makers are able to apply both approaches appropriately for different situations. Making decisions systematically by following steps like defining the problem, researching options, and evaluating alternatives leads to better outcomes than leaving decisions to chance.

1. Good Decision Making is critical to all areas of life. Reaching a decision brings conclusions, enables change and
helps move situations forward. However it can be a difficult task. Decisions often have strong emotional links, or their
results can have effects on the needs and desires of certain individuals. These emotions and needs can cloud judgment,
making reaching a decision a complicated process.
Following a set of guidelines and steps to assist in the Decision making process can help simplify it. Here
are eight steps that add structure and simplicity to the Decision making process.
Recognize and identify the problem.: Decisions are responses to situations or problems that
need addressing. Therefore is important to have a clear definition of what needs addressing
before attempting to go further in the decision making process.
Consider the nature of the problem that you are trying to resolve: What is the type issue,
problem, or situation you need to address? Is it problematic in terms of creating an awkward
situation between individuals, is it needed to change direction of a business? Why does the
problem need a decision? What are the results you are hoping to achieve by this decision?
Analyze or research the problem: It is important to gather all the information involved in the
problem or question, so that informed choices can be made.
Develop a list of possible solutions: List the possible decisions that could be made, and what
their consequences would be.
Select the best alternative: Look at the list drawn up in point 4 and choose the best solution for
the situation.
Execute the best choice: Sometimes the hardest part of making a decision is taking action. The
best decisions are ones that deliver strong decision action.
Follow Up and communication: A good decision needs to be followed throughout its process
and constant communication made with those involved.
Feedback: It is extremely important to gather feedback on a decision. This determines the overall
success of and reaction to the decision.
People are required to make decisions of varying degrees every day, whether in a work or personal
capacity and following these steps adds clarity and logic into the decision making process
Decision-making is a key skill in the workplace, and is particularly important if you want to be an effective leader.
Whether you're deciding which person to hire, which supplier to use, or which strategy to pursue, the ability to make a
good decision with available information is vital. It would be easy if there were one formula you could use in any
situation, but there isn't. Each decision presents its own challenges, and we all have different ways of approaching
problems.
So, how do you avoid making bad decisions – or leaving decisions to chance? You need a systematic approach to
decision-making so that, no matter what type of decision you have to make, you can take decisions with confidence.
No one can afford to make poor decisions. That's why we've developed a short quiz to help you assess your current
decision-making skills. We'll examine how well you structure your decision-making process, and then we'll point you
to specific tools and resources you can use to develop and improve this important competency.
There are many advantages to making good strong decisions. Much research has been done on
the subject, and the appreciation of the importance of decision making can be found throughout all walks
of life and situations around the globe. From a business or military perspective, to a cultural, religious or
personal level, it is understood that decisions bring about change and enable circumstances to move
forward.
Decision making falls into two main categories, objective, logical or quantitative decision making
and subjective or qualitative decision making. Depending on the type of decision and subject matter
involved, all processes take one or both of these approaches. Objective decision making relies upon data
and fact to assist the making of a decision, whereas subjective or qualitative decision making leans more
towards supposition. Both categories can help assist successful decision making. Some decisions only
require the information of certain facts, whereas others require an emotional depth of understanding and
consideration. The good decision maker will be able to apply both approaches.

2. In business, decision making takes a variety of forms. These different types of decision making can
assist to achieve the best possible results in a wide range of areas. Strategic decision making involves
decisions that influence the direction of a company or organization. These decisions are often made by
the CEOs or executive boards and are hugely important in the growth and success of the organization
involved. Tactical decision making is employed by managers within a company to produce the best
possible practices and running of that company whilst operational decision making is used by all
employees of a company to produce the best results and practices from the tasks they perform. Each of
these levels of decision making improve the company’s overall performance.
Decisions can also be reached in a number of ways. Some decisions only require the knowledge or
consideration of one person, whereas others need the representation of a group.
As the Greek Philosopher Heraclitus said, "change is the only constant", something that has been
echoed by many others since, and change can only be brought about by successful decision making
reaching successful decisions.
One of the most challenging forms of decision making we are face with is making decisions and
plans for the end of life. This is a subject that many of us would rather ignore, but often confronting our
fears and planning for the inevitable is a good thing to do, and can be extremely helpful, not only to loved
ones and those who will be involved in organizing our affairs but ourselves when we are at our most
vulnerable.
Caregiver.org offer a comprehensive fact sheet that includes the issues that relate to the end of
one’s life, and point out other areas for consideration such as what financial and medical decisions may
be important, looking into the types of care options you would be comfortable with, advance directives
such as a "living will" or "Do Not Resuscitate" Order (DNR), frequently asked questions and links to useful
forms and instructions.
They list the specific issues that relate to end of life as:
Who do you want to make decisions for you if you are incapable?
Would you wish to be resuscitated?
If you were seriously or terminally ill, would you want to be at home or would you prefer to be
hospitalized?
Payment of care. Are you covered adequately by your insurance?
The processes involved with administrating death. Are your loved ones prepared?
Caregiver.org suggests the first step to making these decisions is overcoming the fear of end of
life, and opening up discussions with those involved, such as your loved ones, your doctor and your
lawyer. Although approaching a subject like end of life can be a confrontational process, often peace of
mind can outweigh any feelings of discomfort. The knowledge that the process has been made easier for
loved ones can be extremely reassuring.