Problem
Important parts of a decision can be overlooked when thinking is unstructured.
Action
Identify the key elements of the decision before comparing alternatives.
Outcome
You make choices with a more complete understanding of the situation.
Chapter: Making Smart Choices: How to think about your whole decision problem: A proactive approach
Problem
A poorly defined problem leads to solutions that miss the real issue.
Action
State clearly what decision must be made and what problem it should solve.
Outcome
You focus your effort on the right challenge.
Chapter: Problem: How to define your decision problem to solve the right problem
Problem
Options are difficult to evaluate when your goals are unclear.
Action
List and rank the outcomes you want the decision to achieve.
Outcome
You can judge alternatives against what matters most.
Chapter: Objectives: How to clarify what you’re really trying to achieve with your decision
Problem
The first available options are often not the best ones.
Action
Develop additional alternatives that better align with your objectives.
Outcome
You increase the likelihood of finding a stronger solution.
Chapter: Alternatives: How to make smarter choices by creating better alternatives to choose from
Problem
A choice cannot be judged accurately without understanding its results.
Action
Evaluate how each alternative performs against each objective.
Outcome
You see the strengths and weaknesses of every option.
Chapter: Consequences: How to describe how well each alternative meets your objectives
Problem
No alternative can usually maximize all objectives simultaneously.
Action
Decide which objectives take priority when conflicts arise.
Outcome
You make compromises that reflect your true priorities.
Chapter: Tradeoffs: How to make tough compromises when you can’t achieve all your objectives at once
Problem
Uncertain events can change which alternative is best.
Action
Consider how each option performs under different possible outcomes.
Outcome
You make decisions that are more resilient to uncertainty.
Chapter: Uncertainty: How to think about and act on uncertainties affecting your decision
Problem
An attractive option may expose you to more risk than you can accept.
Action
Assess alternatives based on the level of downside you are willing to bear.
Outcome
You choose options that fit your comfort level with risk.
Chapter: Risk Tolerance: How to account for your appetite for risk
Problem
A decision today can restrict valuable choices tomorrow.
Action
Choose actions that preserve flexibility for future decisions.
Outcome
You maintain more opportunities to adapt later.
Chapter: Linked Decisions: How to plan ahead by effectively coordinating current and future decisions
Problem
Mental biases can distort how alternatives are evaluated.
Action
Review your reasoning and challenge assumptions before deciding.
Outcome
You reduce avoidable errors in judgment.
Chapter: Psychological Traps: How to avoid some of the tricks your mind can play on you when you’re deciding
Problem
Decision quality suffers when important choices are made inconsistently.
Action
Use a structured approach whenever a decision has meaningful consequences.
Outcome
You make better decisions more reliably over time.
Chapter: The Wise Decision Maker: How to make smart choices a way of life