Uncertainty to Certainty through Smart Decisions

[Approximate Reading Time : 4 mins]

Decisions are what move the business forward. Decision-making does not remain the same every time. The need for another decision arises as the scenario, market, or environment changes, making the previous decision’s effect insufficient. How can quality decision-making during certain risky and uncertain times be optimized, and how to limit unfavorable consequences to a favorable range? Let’s find out.

Certainty about Outcomes

Decision-making is the easiest when you know the consequences of the choice you make for certain. It is a matter of weighing the pros and cons of the options you have and selecting the one that suits you best. The facts, protocols, and goals, like meeting client requirements and deadlines, are direct and already laid out. Discuss the options with your team, bounce off ideas, and move forward. Since the outcomes, whether those requirements or deadlines are met or not, are known, minor setbacks can be easily handled, but the overall outcome will most probably be positive. Certainty builds structure and discipline.

Risky Times

Decision-making becomes difficult when there are known negatives in the facts that lead to the decision. These negatives, like variations in the quality of resources or new employees, can influence the predictability of the outcomes. Take decisions keeping in mind the extent to which the negatives can be controlled and their respective outcomes. These decisions make you prone to be rejected by clients. Employ statistical methods to survey the possible consequences, and limit the risks to an acceptable range.

Uncertainty with Double Unknowns

Decision-making in uncertain situations is complex because the goals and outcomes are unknown and cannot be predicted. Filtering an excess amount of information to help in deciding with two unknowns is normally impossible. Data analytics with augmented intelligence capabilities can help you make decisions with real-time insights and also monitor risks.

In such a situation analyze your resources, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Once you know the potential with which you can operate, study the forces that are causing the unstable environment. Give the team more freedom in work, so quick decisions are possible. Increasing capability and competency and nonlinear thinking can increase the chances of a positive outcome. Resilience is the need of the hour, as there are many variables at play. Business models have to be improvised according to the changes in the market. While still working toward positive outcomes, it is best to also work on risk management to ameliorate the worst possible consequences, if at all any such thing occurs.

Decisions have a cumulative effect on the future of the company, so every move counts. Informed choices help manage uncertainty in business in the long term. It is during uncertain times that a business can move forward in unexpected directions and grow drastically. The ability to match a problem with the right strategy and take quick decisions goes a long way in business leadership. Amnet is a service provider who will deliver certainty and ensure reliable outcomes while also supporting you at uncertain times. Explore Click Here.

Sources
1. https://www.productionmachining.com/blog/post/deal-differently-with-certainty-risk-and-uncertainty.
2. https://www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Insights/2020-CIMA-Insights/Decisionmaking-in-uncertain-times/.
3. https://www.cimaglobal.com/Members/Insights/2020-CIMA-Insights/Decisionmaking-in-uncertain-times/.