The Good Decision Chain

The following tabs give a brief explanation of the six links in the Good Decision Chain.

Helpful Frame: Zoom in on the decision

Framing is clarifying the decision we’re tackling. To properly frame a decision, we need to define what it is that we are deciding, what we are not deciding, what we should take as given, and what goals we wish to achieve.

A decision frame has three components: (1) Purpose—what we hope to accomplish by this decision; (2) Scope—what to include and exclude in the decision; and (3) Perspective—our point of view about this decision, consideration of other ways to approach it, how others might approach it.

Framing is like taking a picture with a zoom camera. What we include inside the picture is the scope. From where we take the picture to get the right lighting and angle is our perspective. And what kind of picture we want—for example, an action shot or portrait—is the purpose.

HOW TO FRAME A DECISION

To begin

State the problem (what it is, what it is not, what the issues are).
Determine whether this is part of a bigger decision that should be addressed now.
Determine whether you may be covering too much ground.

Ask your head

Why is the problem difficult to solve? What factors are involved?
What are you taking as given?

Ask your heart

Whose choice is it? Is the decision yours alone?
Who needs to be involved to reach a decision that makes sense and feels right?
What would keep you from acting if you saw the answer clearly?
How would someone else you trust and admire frame this situation?

TOOLS and GOOD PRACTICE

Statement of vision, purpose, short- and long-term goals
List of things taken as given
List of head and heart issues
Brainstorming
Consult with others for important and/or life-shaping decisions
Expanding and contracting the frame—try multiple frames before settling on one that’s best