HOW TO MAKE QUICK DECISIONS 


	 There's not always time for detailed analysis before you make 
a decision.  But that doesn't mean you should just flip a coin and 
hope for the best.  Good quick decisions come from thinking ahead.  
Here are five key questions to ask yourself when you need to come 
up with an answer, fast.    

	1.  "WHAT REALLY MATTERS HERE?"  Know in advance what 
your unit needs to accomplish and what its priorities are.  Then you'll 
be able to evaluate each decision-making option in terms of what 
really matters.

	2.  "WHAT ARE THE FACTS?"  Get enough information from the 
people involved to draw a reasonable conclusion about the nature of 
the problem (or opportunity) at hand, and what might be done about 
it.  If there's no time to consult with anyone, ask yourself the next 
question, 

	3.  "WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF I DO NOTHING?"  Visualize the 
consequences of not taking any action.  That can help you see what 
really needs to be done--or it may give you firm grounds for 
deciding that doing nothing is the best plan.  But if it's not, then ask 
yourself,

	4.  "WHAT'S THE BEST RESULT each of these options could 
produce?"  Picture the likely outcomes of each alternative.  
Determine which one will contribute the most to meeting your goals.  
Then go with it.

	5.  "WHAT'S NEXT?"  To make your decision stick, immediately 
plan the next step you'll take.  The sooner you get going, the less 
likely you'll have to make up your mind about the same thing all 
over again.

	Decisions help us control events instead of being controlled by 
them.  Thinking ahead can increase your confidence and keep you in 
control.  When you're on the spot, asking the questions listed here 
can help you make a quick decision that you won't regret later on.

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