Categorizing decisions

The various types of decision a manager has to make include routine, emergency, startegic, and operational. Many decisions are routine: the same circumstances recur, and when they arise you choose a proven course of action. Some situations, however, are without precedent - you make the decision on the spot as events unflod. Tis is emergency decision-making and can take up most of a manager's time. The most demanding form of decision-making involves strategic choices; deciding on aims and objectives, and converting these into specific plans, or subdecisions, is a manager's most important task. Operationnel decisions, especially those concerned with people problems (including hiring and firing), require particularly sensitive handling.

Breaking down the process

Reaching a decision involves a methodical thought process. The first step is to identify the exact issue that is being tackled, and to prioritize objectives. An analysis of the situation will reveal those options that are impossible or impratical to implement, leaving a manageable range of alternatives for more detailed assessment. At this stage - if not earlier - others' views may be enlisted. The advantages ans disadvantages of each course of action should be carefully evaluated, always keeping the ultimate goal in the forefront. Finally, a plan can be devised to show exactly how the decision will be carried out.