How To Make A Hard Decision (With Examples)

Common Questions

How to Make a Hard Decision (With Examples)

Making tough decisions is an inevitable part of both personal and professional life. The encouraging news is that decision-making is a skill that can be developed over time. Although the complexity of choices may not diminish, you can cultivate greater confidence in your ability to navigate them effectively.

In this article, you will discover a structured approach to making difficult decisions at work, strategies for expediting your decision-making process, and valuable insights to enhance your overall decision-making skills.

Key Takeaways

Allocating adequate time for contemplation, clearly defining the decision at hand, and thoroughly exploring all options are essential components of effective decision-making.
Engaging with trusted individuals about your decision can provide valuable perspectives and insights.
Maintaining perspective is crucial; remember that choosing not to make a decision is a decision in itself.

How to Make a Hard Decision

In This Article

Skip to section

How to Make a Hard Decision at Work
5 Ways to Make Tough Decisions Faster
More Decision Making Tips
Examples of How to Make a Decision at Work
Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

How to Make a Hard Decision at Work

Regardless of the situation you’re facing, approaching your decision-making as a structured process can be incredibly beneficial. By framing your approach with these three steps, you set yourself up for success in making informed choices.

Implementing a clear decision-making framework not only helps you stay focused but also provides a reliable method for future decisions. With practice, this process will become second nature, enabling you to make sound decisions quickly and effectively.

Give yourself time to think. Difficult decisions require thoughtful consideration. Set aside sufficient time to reflect on the challenge at hand. Rushing into a decision can lead to missed opportunities and misunderstandings.

Breaking up your thinking into manageable sessions allows for deeper reflection and the chance to gather more information over time.
Be clear about your problem. After reflecting, clarify the specific decision you need to make. Understand the problem or challenge at hand and consider how your decision will impact your life and those around you.
Think through all of your options. Document all potential outcomes, even those that seem less favorable. This comprehensive exploration will enable you to identify the most viable solutions. Once you have a thorough list, you can confidently make your decision or seek input from others.

5 Ways to Make Tough Decisions Faster

While the three-step process is effective, there are additional strategies to expedite your decision-making without sacrificing quality. Here are five tips to help you make decisions more swiftly:

Consult others. Engaging with others can provide new insights and perspectives. Asking colleagues how they would approach the decision can help you see options you might have missed.
Know yourself. Understanding your preferences and desired outcomes can guide you toward making a decision that aligns with your goals. Reflect on what you truly want from the decision you face.
Try a test. If feasible, test out aspects of your decision before committing fully. For example, if selecting a supplier, consider requesting a sample to evaluate their service. This approach can clarify your options and strengthen your rationale.
Trust your gut. Often, our instincts can lead us toward the right choice. While it’s important to analyze options, don’t disregard your initial thoughts—sometimes they can provide valuable direction.
Get advice. Beyond casual discussions, seek targeted advice from colleagues or mentors who have expertise related to your decision. Their insights can be invaluable in broadening your understanding of the situation.

More Decision Making Tips

If you find yourself grappling with a tough decision, consider these additional strategies:

Do something rather than nothing. If you’re uncertain about how to proceed, take any initial action related to the decision. Starting the process can lead to clarity.
Know your end goal. Think about the desired outcome and work backward to identify the decisions that will lead you there.
Look backward. Reflect on past decisions and the processes you used. Learning from previous experiences can inform your current decision-making.
Don’t be afraid. Fear of consequences is natural but shouldn’t paralyze your decision-making. Acknowledge your fears while still moving forward.
Use your head and your heart. Balance logical reasoning with emotional insight to arrive at a well-rounded decision.
Take a break. Sometimes stepping away from the decision can provide new perspectives. Don’t hesitate to take a break and return with fresh insights.
Don’t overthink. Excessive deliberation can hinder your progress. Trust your instincts and initial thoughts as valid options.
Let fate decide. If you’re feeling paralyzed by options, consider a random selection method to break the deadlock. This can sometimes reveal your true preferences.
Know your strengths. Leverage your personal strengths in decision-making—whether it’s decisiveness or thorough analysis—to navigate the process effectively.

Examples of How to Make a Decision at Work

Here are some practical examples illustrating these decision-making principles:

Example 1: Choosing a Major

Sam is entering her sophomore year of college and must declare a major. She is torn between biology and chemistry. To aid her decision, she consults her guidance counselor, who outlines potential career paths for each major.

Through this discussion, Sam realizes that she prefers careers involving interaction with people or animals rather than lab work, leading her to choose biology.

Example 2: Choosing a New Manager

John, a senior manager, faces the decision of promoting an internal employee or hiring externally for a departing team manager role. He allocates quiet time to reflect and consults with peers who have faced similar decisions.

After assessing the qualifications of his team, he concludes that none are ready for the role, prompting him to decide on an external hire.

Common Questions

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Amanda Covaleski

Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

Create Resume