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Decision Analysis
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purpose
Make data-driven decisions
answers
What is the best option or course of action?
The Process
Decision Analysis helps leaders make effective choices characterized by fidelity, transparency, and stakeholder involvement.
Used For
- Highly-visible, potentially contentious choices
- Regular organizational decisions that are potentially significant—hiring, curriculum, purchasing, etc.
- Decisions requiring transparency or a written record of rationale—student placement, budget cuts, etc.
About Decision Analysis
Making critical decisions need not be divisive. Done right, it can unite people and build commitment to a shared outcome.
Decision Analysis starts with the end in mind—what do we want and need in a final choice? Choosing the best option becomes clearer (and often less contentious) if we first get stakeholder agreement on what’s important. We use Decision Analysis to arrive at a decision that delivers desired results and fosters stakeholder support.
Key Steps
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1. State the Decision
Sometimes the choice we face is clear - other times we need to figure out what we really are trying to accomplish.
![](https://tregoed.org/wp-content/themes/tregoed/imgs/wwt-da-step2.png)
2. Establish Criteria
This step is the heart of excellent, collaborative decision making. Here is where stakeholders see their concerns included as we create a shared vision of what’s needed.
![](https://tregoed.org/wp-content/themes/tregoed/imgs/wwt-da-step3.png)
3. List Alternatives
Often the alternatives are clear, other times we need to think outside the box. We have a greater chance for success when we have good options to choose from.
![](https://tregoed.org/wp-content/themes/tregoed/imgs/wwt-da-step4.png)
4. Evaluate Alternatives
Avoid some of the typical conflict that arises from arguing about alternatives. Each alternative’s strengths and weaknesses become clear as decision makers use the agreed-upon criteria.
![](https://tregoed.org/wp-content/themes/tregoed/imgs/wwt-da-step5.png)
5. Consider Risks
Even ideal options carry some risk. By identifying those risks in advance, we can make better choices - and prepare for smoother implementation.
![](https://tregoed.org/wp-content/themes/tregoed/imgs/wwt-da-step6.png)
6. Trust Your Work - Make the Best Balanced Choice
Thanks to data and sound analysis, the best choice is clear and we have a rationale that is both visible and easy to explain.