How Great Decisions Get Made: 10 Easy Steps for Reaching Agreement on Even the Toughest Issues

When you're pressed for time, take a realistic look at the issues before you and your group. Then:

• Don't let a concern about lack of time drive you to make poor decisions or avoid making decisions at all. Be honest about the actual time you have to get results as opposed to how long you think you have to decide a particular issue.

• Assess what your group needs to do. Are you confronting a fresh issue? Then you need to start with Step #1. Are the issue, its options, and pertinent information on the table already? Then you can start with Step #6 to break through the logjam to a conclusion. (If you're faced with a fresh issue that has multiple ramifications, you'll need to take the time for the full process.)

• Let go of your fears. You have the time and resources to work together. By using the focused, quick-start process, you'll make important progress toward fulfilling your hopes.

There is time to do what you really need to do. The key is discovering what that is. The ten-step process gives you the right tools.