We make decisions all day long and many are both important and time-consuming. In no particular order, here are the most common mistakes people make when making decisions:

1. Starting with alternatives.
   “Should we do this or this or this?” If you are asking that question, you are starting in the wrong place, step 3 of 4, to be precise. You’ve skipped the objectives: What are we trying to accomplish? What criteria should govern this decision? How will we recognize a good alternative from a bad one?
2. Not considering enough alternatives.
   Don’t default to the same old options or the first that come to mind. Get creative. Brainstorm.
3. Ignoring risk.
   Always pause and consider what could go wrong before you run with what appears to be the most promising alternative.
4. Involving the wrong people.
   Don’t default to the same old crowd. There are only two reasons to include people in your decision: 1) they will help you make a smart decision and 2) they are essential to implementing the decision. Choose wisely. From category #2, select acceptable representatives from those whose cooperation you need.
5. Not grounded in reality.
   Challenge assumptions. Use data when it makes sense. Insist on evidence over hearsay. “We can’t do that!,” said emphatically, but based on faulty assumptions, sinks enumerable good ideas every day.
6. Making the wrong decision.
   Every decision is part of a series of cascading decisions. Step back and reflect. The decision you ought to be making is often one or two steps upstream from the one you are debating.
7. Don’t debate pros and cons.
   The best alternative must align best with your decision criteria. It doesn’t matter if an alternative has six wonderful side benefits if those benefits aren’t priorities.

Avoid these mistakes and you will find yourself making better decisions with greater confidence.

Related Reading:

Why Debating Pros And Cons Is The Wrong Way To Make Decisions
Do You Make Decisions Like Shrewd Leaders Or Like Everyone Else?
7 Rules Naturally Clear Leaders Follow When Making Decisions
How to Get Unstuck When Making Decisions
12 Reasons Why How You Make Decisions Is More Important Than What You Decide