How do you prove your decisions are valuable?

Making good decisions is not enough in today's competitive and complex world. You also need to show that your decisions are valuable, that they contribute to the goals and outcomes of your organization, team, or project. But how do you prove your decisions are valuable? How do you measure and communicate the impact of your choices? In this article, we will explore some practical tips and tools to help you demonstrate the value of your decisions.

1 Define your criteria

Before you make a decision, you need to define the criteria that will guide your evaluation and comparison of alternatives. These criteria should reflect the objectives, expectations, and standards of your stakeholders, such as your boss, clients, or colleagues. For example, if you are deciding on a marketing strategy, your criteria might include cost, reach, engagement, conversion, and ROI. By defining your criteria upfront, you can avoid ambiguity and bias, and set a clear baseline for measuring your decision's value.

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😎 Shaun McAndrew

Aerial Advisor | Known for finding 6 figures in 60 minutes using my exclusive Rapid Altitude Assessment │ Vice President | Keynote Speaker
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The article glosses over an essential piece - what audience are you proving it to? People above or below you? They have two different viewpoints. And your decisions have to show value to both over time. If your decisions lose the trust of those below you, you become ineffective as they will be ineffective for you. Define the results (not just criteria) that you want going both ways.

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2 Collect relevant data

Once you have your criteria, you need to collect relevant data to support your decision. Data can come from various sources, such as market research, customer feedback, analytics, reports, or experiments. You should use data that is accurate, reliable, and timely, and that can be quantified and analyzed. Data can help you identify the pros and cons of each option, estimate the potential outcomes and risks, and justify your decision with facts and evidence.

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Diana Khanh Boi Hoai Nguyen, CPA, CGA

Dedicated and results-driven professional with extensive experience developing and implementing improved internal accounting policies, procedures, and controls designed to reduce costs and maximize profitability.
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Do project financial forecast showing the cost, timeline and 5 projections. it is important combines all that into numbers help the executive to support your idea

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3 Use a framework

A framework is a tool that can help you organize, visualize, and communicate your decision process and value. There are many frameworks available, such as SWOT, PESTEL, Decision Matrix, or SMART. A framework can help you structure your data, compare and rank your alternatives, and highlight the trade-offs and benefits of your decision. A framework can also help you present your decision to others in a clear and logical way, and show how it aligns with the criteria and goals.

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4 Monitor and evaluate

After you make a decision, you need to monitor and evaluate its performance and impact. You should track the key indicators and metrics that relate to your criteria, such as sales, revenue, customer satisfaction, or quality. You should also collect feedback from your stakeholders, and identify any gaps, issues, or opportunities for improvement. By monitoring and evaluating your decision, you can measure its value, learn from its results, and adjust your actions if needed.

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Diana Khanh Boi Hoai Nguyen, CPA, CGA

Dedicated and results-driven professional with extensive experience developing and implementing improved internal accounting policies, procedures, and controls designed to reduce costs and maximize profitability.
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also the forecast the actual to show progress. the article need to be more specific what type of project - to choose the right specific criteria as KPI to measure performance. Sample projects: 1. Marketing plan 2. lease of buy the new equipment 3. new benefit plans and pay structure to retain/ to attract new talents.

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5 Communicate your value

Finally, you need to communicate your decision's value to your stakeholders, such as your boss, clients, or colleagues. You should use clear and concise language, and tailor your message to your audience's needs and preferences. You should highlight the benefits and outcomes of your decision, and show how it supports the goals and objectives of your organization, team, or project. You should also acknowledge any challenges or limitations, and show how you are addressing them. By communicating your value, you can build trust and credibility, and showcase your decision-making skills.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you prove your decisions are valuable?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Define your criteria

2 Collect relevant data

3 Use a framework

4 Monitor and evaluate

5 Communicate your value

6 Here’s what else to consider

Decision-Making

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How do you prove your decisions are valuable?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Define your criteria

2 Collect relevant data

3 Use a framework

4 Monitor and evaluate

5 Communicate your value

6 Here’s what else to consider

Decision-Making

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