When we have tough decisions to make, what guides those decisions?
We may sense that one option is right, but we can’t articulate why except perhaps a gut feeling. Or we may just be overwhelmed by the sheer range of options, especially when the choice is among 10 different ideas.
All of that is then compounded by circumstances. The decision may be emotional itself, such as helping an aging parent decide what is next in their journey. Or it could be an issue of timing, like what happens when you have a decision to make while you are already juggling three projects that are all due at once.
Emotions. Unspoken issues and assumptions. Gut feelings.
For these sorts of decisions and circumstances, we have found nothing more helpful than using a matrix. A matrix is a simple chart that will 1) help you determine what you want to base your decision on, and then 2) help you compare all your options against those decision-making criteria.
Using a matrix brings you back to the question, “What do we want to keep in mind as we make this decision?” It brings to light all the otherwise unspoken questions and concerns that have been swimming in your mind and the minds of your team members. By making all those variables visible, you can base your decision on objective decision-making criteria vs. a gut feeling.
And as for that gut feeling, the matrix will help you understand the actual reasons behind that feeling. That is because your gut is actually a combination of your experience, your values, and your inherent wisdom. All of that is what a decision-making matrix can help to articulate.
We hope you find this as helpful as we do. Because around here, we matrix just about every decision – and certainly the big ones!