barra advisory group logo

Insights

Change is constant. Adapt through learning and courageous actions.

On Decision Making

Sometimes you make the right decision, sometimes you make the decision right.

- Denis Waitley

It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.

- J.K. Rowling

The key to making good decisions is to reflect on the past, focus on the present, and plan for the future.

Our lives revolve around decisions, encompassing various aspects such as finance, economics, commerce, relationships, and operations, all of which shape our future. In a way, as adults, we are all the sum of our decisions and luck in our lives. We don’t have much controls of our luck. The same is not true for our decisions. We all make a lot of them. According to a study attributed to researchers from Cornell University and published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychology," an adult makes between 15,000 to 35,000 decisions a day, the quantity dependent on age and personality. This study serves as a reminder of the prevalence and significance of decision-making in our existence. However, it's an activity often taken for granted. Many individuals, including the educated, may not realize that they often leave decision-making to chance or luck due to their belief systems and biases. What constitutes the anatomy of a decision, and how can you, as leaders, make effective ones?
In her book "Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts," Annie Duke offers a simple yet elegant definition of a decision as "a bet on the future." We make decisions with the hope of attaining future value, which can range from instant gratification to long-term wellness. Decision-making is an exercise of thinking and prediction, starting with perceived facts, forecasting numerous uncertain possibilities, and concluding with a choice. Thinking involves brain activities that seek rationality and logic. However, the challenge lies in the fact that being rational is not as straightforward as it may seem. Belief systems, culture, behaviors, and perceived facts give rise to significant biases, sometimes concealed from awareness, thereby fundamentally clouding decisions.
In his book "Thinking, Fast and Slow," Professor Daniel Kahneman delineates brain activities into two fictional "systems": "System 1," or "Fast Thinking," describing the automatic mechanisms that prompt quick responses based on situational cues, and "System 2," or "Slow Thinking," which characterizes the more deliberate cognitive processes. Psychologists respectively refer to these as the "reflexive mind" and the "deliberate mind." He calls "System 1" or "the reflexive mind" as the "default mode," and "System 2" or "The deliberate mind" is referred to as the "customized mode." Consequently, our thinking and rational decision-making are profoundly influenced by the degree of calibration with each of these illustrative systems or minds. The challenge, therefore, lies in the need for leaders to regulate both the default and customized modes in the analytical component of decision-making.
Decisions are challenging not only due to the calibration difficulties of cognitive modes but also because they are made with incomplete information. In the predictive aspect of decision-making, leaders contend with both visible and hidden information, as well as luck, which lies beyond their control but that can be acknowledged, envisioned, or forecasted. In this context, leaders should adopt a probabilistic mindset, assigning appropriate weights to potential outcomes. While luck remains outside their influence, action based on available information or efforts to unearth hidden data should be rigorous.
Information may be either visible or hidden. If it's visible, it’s crucial to ensure that the decision making process takes into account all necessary data. However, many humble leaders acknowledge that obtaining all information before deciding is often unfeasible, as available information are treated as facts, which can represent perceived reality. Pursuing absolute truth or all-encompassing facts may lead to analysis paralysis. Conversely, when information is concealed, leaders must endeavor to uncover it or make reasonable assumptions before deciding. Thus, leaders typically make decisions based on imperfect information, regardless of its visibility.
Certain business leaders attribute successful outcomes to their skills, while attributing poor results to bad luck. Assessing the quality of a decision should prioritize its process over its outcome. A rigorous decision-making process resulting in an unfavorable outcome should be acceptable to any leader, as it may be attributed to unfortunate circumstances.
Such a robust decision-making process encompasses essential elements such as challenging ingrained belief systems, establishing constructive feedback loops, and engaging in mental exercises like forward and backward mental time travel. Belief systems, accumulated over time, often harbor hidden biases. Leaders must consciously identify flaws in their belief systems and biases, implementing mechanisms to refine their understanding of facts. Common biases, including but not limited to confirmation bias, overconfidence bias, and the bandwagon effect, must be addressed. Moreover, leaders should refrain from overly relying on present facts or data to assign high probabilities to decisions significantly impacting the future, recognizing the inherent uncertainty of future outcomes.
An effective strategy for mitigating biases involves soliciting feedback from a dissenting team comprising individuals possessing intellectual honesty and offering contrarian viewpoints. Mental techniques such as backcasting and premortem analysis are invaluable in rigorous decision-making. Backcasting involves envisioning the optimal outcome of a decision and retracing steps leading to the current dilemma, while premortem analysis entails anticipating adverse outcomes and strategizing to mitigate failure. These complementary mental contrasting processes enhance decision-making efficacy.
Decisions represent bets and actions for the future, rooted in a blend of luck, with concealed and transparent information, thus embodying a probabilistic essence. Taking place within an environment of uncertainty, decisions are crafted with the "deliberate mind," characterized by methodical, disciplined thought processes. Leaders tasked with pivotal decision-making roles must adeptly navigate their emotional biases, recognizing and mitigating these covert influences. Moreover, they must actively pursue high-quality feedback from diverse perspectives, including dissenting voices. It's imperative for leaders to methodically assess the role of luck in their decision outcomes, employing probabilistic analysis. By adhering to these principles, one can make decisions effectively and enhance the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Until we meet again, decide well!
Fal Diabaté
Managing Partner, Barra Advisory Group

133 Responses

  1. Good day! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO?
    I’m trying to get my site to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results.
    If you know of any please share. Thanks! I saw similar article here: Bij nl

  2. I’d like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this blog. I really hope to check out the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal blog now 😉

  3. After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Is there a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thank you.

  4. I blog frequently and I seriously appreciate your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your website and keep checking for new information about once per week. I subscribed to your RSS feed as well.

  5. You have made some really good points there. I checked on the net for more information about the issue and found most people will go along with your views on this web site.

  6. I’m impressed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and interesting, and without a doubt, you have hit the nail on the head. The problem is something which too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this in my hunt for something regarding this.

  7. An impressive share, I simply with all this onto a colleague who had previously been performing a small analysis within this. And hubby actually bought me breakfast since I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I’m strongly about it and adore reading more on this topic. If it is possible, as you become expertise, does one mind updating your blog site with increased details? It is actually highly helpful for me. Huge thumb up because of this short article!

  8. Hi, I just read texts on your blog and I became interested in the topic. I like your post and I am thinking whether I could use your words in my work? Would it be doable? If yes, please contact with me. Thank you.

  9. This is the right site for anybody who wants to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I really will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a topic that has been written about for a long time. Great stuff, just excellent.

  10. Good website! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

  11. By making use of this support, you possibly can successfully make your web site significantly more interactive and social. The support of Blog site comments is hottest service that provide again hyperlinks on your own weblog. The support features two chief plans that include prompt site visitors likewise as a lot of back links. You also ought to consider treatment on the good quality which is certainly more chosen than amount in the time of submitting responses.

  12. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am having difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanx!!

  13. Woah this is just an insane amount of info, must of taken ages to compile so thank you so much for just sharing it with all of us. If your ever in any need of related info, perhaps a bit of coaching, seduction techniques or just general tips, just check out my own site!

  14. An fascinating discussion is value comment. I believe that it is best to write extra on this matter, it may not be a taboo topic but generally persons are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  15. This would be the right blog for everyone who really wants to learn about this topic. You already know much its almost tricky to argue along (not too I personally would want…HaHa). You certainly put a whole new spin over a topic thats been written about for some time. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful!

  16. I am often to blogging and that i truly appreciate your content. This great article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your blog and keep checking achievable info.

  17. Howdy, I think your site might be having internet browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, fantastic site.

  18. Hi, thanks for the very good report. Honestly, just about eight weeks ago I started using the internet and became an web user and came on-line for the very first time, and there is always a lot poor quality information out there. I recognize that you have put out wonderful material that is distinct and on the subject. All the best and cheers for the awesome ideas.

  19. While you’re any of the lucky enough choices, it comes evidently, while capture the fancy of the particular coveted by ly folks other useful you you meet may possibly well have hard times this particular problem. pre owned awnings

  20. I seriously love your blog.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my very own website and would like to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Thanks!

  21. You are so awesome! I don’t think I have read through anything like that before. So wonderful to discover someone with a few unique thoughts on this subject matter. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality.

  22. The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it doesn’t fail me as much as this particular one. After all, Yes, it was my choice to read through, however I actually believed you’d have something helpful to say. All I hear is a bunch of crying about something that you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.

  23. I absolutely love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m trying to create my own site and want to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Many thanks.

  24. Right here is the right site for anyone who really wants to find out about this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want to…HaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a topic that’s been discussed for decades. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.

  25. May I simply just say what a relief to uncover somebody who actually understands what they’re talking about on the net. You certainly know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people have to check this out and understand this side of your story. I can’t believe you are not more popular given that you surely possess the gift.

  26. Nice post. I learn something tougher on distinct blogs everyday. Most commonly it is stimulating to study content from other writers and use a specific thing from their store. I’d prefer to use some while using the content in this little weblog whether or not you do not mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link on the web blog. Thank you for sharing.

  27. Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this information together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it.

  28. Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you, However I am experiencing issues with your RSS. I don’t know why I am unable to join it. Is there anybody else getting similar RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks.

  29. I really love your site.. Very nice colors & theme. Did you develop this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m planning to create my very own website and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Thanks!

  30. It is in point of fact a nice and useful piece of information. I am glad that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  31. Aw, this is a very good post. In idea I would like to put in place writing such as this additionally – spending time and actual effort to produce a good article… but what things can I say… I procrastinate alot and also by no indicates often go completed.

  32. After looking at a number of the blog articles on your site, I honestly appreciate your way of blogging. I saved it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Take a look at my website too and tell me your opinion.

  33. Excellent read, I simply passed this onto a colleague who has been conducting a little research on that. And the man actually bought me lunch because I discovered it for him smile So i want to rephrase that: Appreciate your lunch!

  34. Right here is the perfect blog for everyone who would like to understand this topic. You know so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I actually will need to…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic which has been discussed for ages. Wonderful stuff, just wonderful.

  35. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after going through some of the articles I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m certainly happy I discovered it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

  36. This is the right site for anybody who would like to find out about this topic. You realize so much its almost tough to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.

  37. I’m very happy to find this web site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this wonderful read!! I definitely appreciated every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new things in your blog.

  38. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve visited this website before but after looking at some of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Regardless, I’m definitely happy I stumbled upon it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often.

  39. After I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot.

  40. An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who has been doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me dinner due to the fact that I discovered it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your site.

  41. I blog quite often and I seriously appreciate your content. The article has really peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed too.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Work with Barra Advisory Group to accelerate Growth

Determine your next big bets
Enhance clarity in your decision making process
Develop your people
Play to win