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S
TRATEGIC DECISION MAKING is a critical skill for
effective leadership. The outcome of a leader's choices
significantly impacts employees, customers, the market,
and ultimately the success of the company. Developing such
a skill requires a combination of knowledge, experience and
intuition. It also requires a process to help define the problem
and select the right course of action. Here is a method to help
you successfully navigate the decision making process.
Making Strategic Decisions — 5 Steps for Success
1. Define the Problem — Consider these questions:
• What is the problem? Can it be solved? Is this the real problem or a symptom of a larger one?
• Does it need immediate attention or can it wait? Is it likely to go away by itself?
Can I risk ignoring it?
• What is my objective? What's to be accomplished by the decision?
2. Gather Information — Seek information on how and why the problem occurred:
• Stakeholders: Talk to individuals or groups affected by the problem
• Facts and data: research, benchmarking studies, interviews with credible sources,
observed events
Five-Step Model to Making Strategic Decisions
M A N AG E M E N T A N D L E A D E R S H I P
