IMPLEMENTING A DECISION
(Ken Shah & Prof. Param J. Shah)

Decisions are valueless until they are translated into positive action, which in turn involves the decision–maker in making a series of operational decisions and choices.

1. Making an action plan :
A plan of action will begin to evolve naturally as options are narrowed and their feasibility is studied during the decision-making process. When developing a plan to implement a decision, everybody needs to fully understand the reason for that specific decision. An analysis of the overall task, determining what actions need to be taken and the manner in which the decision shall be implemented, should be provided in detail.

2. Delegating Action :
Some decisions, which are simple can be handled single handedly. But more complex decisions involve a number of tasks and the work of a team. Breaking each task into manageable chuks and delegating responsibility for planning to individuals within the team, makes the performance easier. The manager may delegate trivial matters to be decided by the subordinates, leaving more time for more important things.

3. Communicating a decision :
Once a decision is taken and planned, it needs to be relayed to the colleagues who are directly or indirectly affected by it. The realease of information if done properly, ensures that people understand exactly what has been decided and why, encouraging their support. While communicating the decision explanation of the alternative course of action and why a particular course has been adopted, removes doubts and objections from the mind of the concerned parties.

4. Discussing the progress of a decision
Many meetings have no purpose but to disaess and inform. Meetings are specifically held to discuess progress in the implementation of a decision. Avoid wasting of time. While choosing a team for action the skills and personalities of the individual should be taken into account.

5. Overcoming objections :
Decisions are likely to attract varying degrees of opposition, ranging from mild dissent to outright resistance. Rather than feeling aggrieved, opposition should be viewed as valuable part of decision-making. Even if there is a need to push a decision through, simply ingnoring objections or brushing them aside results into misunderstandings.

QUOTATIONS

“if you are headed in the wrong direction God allows U-turns.”

“Outsourcing helps business to grow know who has your clients Resist the urge to alter.”

Part 3 - Implementing a decision                                                                       Back to Main - Making Effective Decisions

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