Effective Decision Making: 5 Steps You Can Use in Any Situation

Decision making is an unavoidable part of our lives. It is almost every day that we find ourselves in situations where we have to choose between alternatives, prefer certain things over others or say no to some opportunities because we cannot have them all at the same time.

In this entry to our blog, we will discuss the five steps of effective decision making as extracted from a single verse of the Qur’an.

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ

“And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah” (Surah Al-e-Imran: 159)

The first three steps of the process are covered under the broad understanding of “And when you have decided” while the latter two are concerned with “then rely upon Allah”.

1. Identify the Problem

Most poor decisions occur as a result of a poor understanding of the problem at hand. So, the first step is to hold yourself back from making any abrupt decisions and spend some time thinking about the situation itself. Empty your mind of any clutter and try to identify the root of the problem.

Once you’ve analyzed the problem in detail, you’ve not only successfully evaded taking a hurried decision but also developed an understanding of the problem which was not possible otherwise.

2. Gather Information/Facts and Strategies

The second step is to get in all the information possible. Look for any facts that can help you in forming a final opinion on the matter. Moreover, you should be on the lookout for strategies to handle the problem as well. Facts, when coupled with the right strategies, help you develop solutions for the problem.

Don’t worry too much if you reach multiple solutions, which brings us to our next step: ‘evaluating alternatives’.

3. Evaluating Alternatives

You will sometimes reach more than one possible solution on a matter and hence, will have to choose between the alternatives. But how do you do that?

Well, the answer is to look for the solution which maximizes your benefits and minimizes your losses. The alternative which brings you the most benefit while also ensuring minimal loss has to be your go-to decision.

Furthermore, for more perplexing issues, you might even need a plan ‘B’ or contingency plan. Your contingency plan is your exit strategy if things don’t work out for some reason. It should also follow the same reasoning. It should maximize benefit, and minimize loss.

4. Seek Allah’s Blessing/ Istikhara

Once you develop an inclination towards an alternative, you should now compensate for any errors in your judgment by seeking Allah’s blessing through the Prophetic method of Istikhara. It helps you rejuvenate your trust in Allah, and provides an assurance that, no matter what the outcome, things will go in your favor.

5. Take the Decision

After you’ve gone through the process, taken all steps in your power and also sought divine help, it is time to take the decision and put your trust in Allah. And so we end where we began,

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّهِ