Article and self-diagnosis
Weak decision material creates expensive decisions - even when the decision seems reasonable
Weak decision material can lead to an expensive decision even when the intention is reasonable. Decision-makers often do not see alternatives, risks and consequences clearly enough.
I usually ask: what problem should the decision solve, which alternatives have been tested and what happens if no decision is made?
Decision material needs to separate facts, assessments and recommendations. Otherwise accountability becomes difficult.
Good decisions do not require perfect material. They require material clear enough for responsibility to be taken.
Why this becomes a leadership issue
When decision papers describe facts but obscure alternatives and uncertainty, the issue is rarely isolated to one team. It affects priorities, resources, accountability and the organisation’s ability to deliver.
If it remains unresolved, leaders approve choices without understanding total cost, risk or feasibility. The cost appears in lost time, weaker quality, greater risk and declining confidence in decisions.
What leadership should examine
- Is the problem, baseline and desired effect explicit?
- Does one person own the outcome and have sufficient authority?
- Are alternatives, dependencies and accepted risks visible?
- Is progress measured as effect rather than activity?
A practical first response
- State the decision in one sentence
- Compare realistic alternatives consistently
- Name assumptions, owner and review point
The self-assessment helps identify where a deeper review should start. Use the result to choose a small number of decisions with named owners and a 90-day follow-up.
Questions for the leadership team
- What becomes more expensive if we wait six months?
- Which decision is currently missing?
- What evidence would demonstrate real improvement?
From insight to action
Assess the situation before deciding the intervention
Use the linked assessment to create a shared picture of strengths, risks and priorities. If the issue requires independent senior support, book a 30-minute orientation meeting.