The Decision Book

Improve the Way You Decide

Decision-making models simplify tough choices. They draw important information in a practical way. They “reduce complexity” into decipherable graphical matrices and can help you organize your thoughts. While decision-making models do not provide strict solutions and may not accurately “reflect reality,” their purpose often is to help you view situations in a new light.

The world’s most famous decision-making models fall into one of four categories: “how to improve yourself,” “how to understand yourself better,” “how to understand others better,” and “how to improve others.” Each category contains numerous models that can help you improve your decisions.

1. How to Improve Yourself

The models that enhance your decision making include:

• “The Eisenhower matrix” – Former US president Dwight D. Eisenhower was a superb manager of time. His approach will work for you. Prioritize all your tasks according to “what is important and what is urgent.” Do tasks that are urgent and important right away, and schedule a time in the future to do jobs that are important but not urgent. Handle assignments that are neither important...