23.0 Decision-making on Great Options

23.1 What is "Decision-making on Great Options"?

This event occurs when we are faced in making a decision from having options that potentially offer great results. While the narrowed options will result greatly towards a project, the question lies in the options' distinctive difference. That distinctive difference matter significantly not in the short-term but in the long-term. That distinctive difference determines the direction of a project.

23.2 The Four Steps

23.2.1 At a Glance

In the process of making a decision, we must first quantify the available great options. Reduce all options until we are left with only the great ones. Few basic questions to identify and withdraw great options: Who is the entity; Why is the entity involved in the activity; How does the entity perform the activity; and what does the entity offer to the society?

23.2.2 Identify Calculated Risks

The second step is to withdraw calculated risks into our knowledge. There are various approaches to address calculated risks. Listed are few commendable articles:

• "Richard Branson on Taking Risks" by Entrepreneur
• "The Art of Calculated Risks" by Entrepreneur
• "A Business Owner's Guide to Taking Calculated Risks" by Inc.

The general idea of withdrawing calculated risks is comparative to testing a calm water. A calm water at the surface may be perceived harmless, yet the risks within are unknown. It is our task to question those risks.

23.2.3 Address Intuition

Addressing intuition is a golden asset. Intuition can come as a significantly important tool for decision-making. Often it is found from deeply experienced leaders. How and when can we trust intuition? Effective intuition in decision-making is a result of positive past decisions. Trust our intuition only when our past decisions were proven to be of recognition worthy. Never trust our intuition when past decisions resulted in a negative remark.

23.2.4 Be Decisive

The last step in decision-making is to be decisive. Being decisive means putting in full efforts into that decision. Decisiveness is important at any stage of a project - beginning, middle or final - as it is the key to getting projects moving or even discontinuing. Quoted from James Caan's article entitled "How to Spot a Great Leader in Four Easy Steps":

"Every step you take should have a decisive air about it." - James Caan

I hope this topic benefits you as much as it has benefited myself, wa la hawla wa la kuwatta ila billah. Insha'Allah, the next topic will be posted in the near future.