Decision Making

A decision in this context is a choice among alternative courses of action that, it is hoped, will lead to a desired result. If there are no alternatives, there is no decision to make. Leaders and followers alike assume responsibility for the consequences of their decisions. This can be frightening at times because many decisions are made under conditions of uncertainty.

Decisions are evaluated based on their results or consequences, which are often unpredictable. An individual or group does not have to be right all the time, only most of the time. A sign in a printing shop provided this profound piece of wisdom: “Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from wisdom. Wisdom comes from making bad decisions.” An individual ...

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