Decision-making intelligence · Choices

Step 1 of 8: Hook

Two senior people want opposite things by Friday. Everyone is looking at you. What do you do in the next ten minutes?

Step 2 of 8: Core idea

Decision-making intelligence is the skill of turning a messy situation into clear options, criteria and a next step, without freezing or rushing.

A quick method:

Options: write at least three (A, B, C). The best answer is often not the first one.
Criteria: choose two or three things that matter most (for example impact, fit with values, and how easy it is to undo).
Score and decide: compare the options against the criteria, then decide and say why.

Most decisions improve with a short, structured pause. Very few are as urgent as they feel.

Step 3 of 8: Real-world example

Cape Town's "Day Zero" water crisis, 2017–2018

After years of drought, Cape Town warned that taps could run dry on a so-called "Day Zero". City leaders, businesses and households faced hard trade-offs: strict water limits, pressure management, new supply projects and a public campaign that made the risk visible to everyone. Clear criteria (keep water flowing for essential needs, share the burden fairly) and options that could be adjusted as rain came helped the city avoid Day Zero. Many residents changed daily habits fast because the choices were explained plainly.

Source: City of Cape Town water crisis communications, 2018; widely reported.

Step 4 of 8: Reflect

Think of a decision you have been putting off. What is stopping you: too few options, unclear criteria, or fear of being wrong?

Take a minute to think. You can capture your answer in the journal at step 8.

Step 5 of 8: Micro-practice

Take one live decision. On one page write three options, three criteria and a score for each. Decide, and send a five-line decision note to the people affected.

I've done this, or put it in my calendar with a real date

Step 6 of 8: If–then plan

Plans written as “If [situation], then I will [action]” make follow-through much more likely than good intentions alone. Use ours or make it yours.

Step 7 of 8: Check your understanding

Step 8 of 8: Journal

Leadership journal

Write down one decision you made this week using the options-criteria method. What did the structure change?

Write a few lines. Your journal is private to this device until you share or sync.

Private to this device until you share or sync