2. Not All Decisions RequireNot All Decisions Require
Equal AttentionEqual Attention
3. Decision InsuranceDecision Insurance
1. Define the problem
2. Gather additional data
3. Lay it all out
4. Identify your options
5. Evaluate your options
6. Make your decision
7. Move forward
4. Step #1:Step #1:
Define the ProblemDefine the Problem
What?
Where?
How?
When?
With whom?
Why?
5. For a Complex ProblemFor a Complex Problem
Break it down
Verify with others
Prioritize
6. Describe the Desired Outcome(s)Describe the Desired Outcome(s)
Define the
solved state:
Here’s what
should be
happening…
8. Link Back to the Big PictureLink Back to the Big Picture
Make sure your
desired outcomes
align clearly with
the library’s
mission and
strategic plan
9. Reality Check:Reality Check:
Decision PoliticsDecision Politics
Who are the stakeholders in this
situation?
What will they need to get out of any
decision?
How and when should they participate
in finding a solution?
18. Mind MappingMind Mapping
Free-form note taking
Any kind of information
Use to show how different facts relate
to the problem
and to each other
19. Look into CausesLook into Causes
but Don’t Bog Downbut Don’t Bog Down
Not all problems are “caused”
Not all causes can be corrected
Ask for input – one person at a time.
20. The Un-Problem:The Un-Problem:
Appreciative InquiryAppreciative Inquiry
Systematic discovery of the best in
people and organizations
Unconditional positive questions
Directed conversation and storytelling
What is working well?
How can we do more of that?
21. Step #4:Step #4:
Identify Your OptionsIdentify Your Options
What options do we
have?
What has been done
in other libraries?
In other disciplines?
How about
something new?
26. Things That CanThings That Can
Limit Your ThinkingLimit Your Thinking
Searching for THE ONE RIGHT ANSWER
Not involving front line people
Looking inside the library only
Waiting for 100% agreement
Fear of embarrassment or failure
27. Be Sure to IncludeBe Sure to Include
Current approach
Something new
Something fun
32. Think ThroughThink Through
Risks and ConsequencesRisks and Consequences
Reversible?
Pilot-able?
Timely?
Politically sensitive?
33. Special Challenges in ManySpecial Challenges in Many
Library EnvironmentsLibrary Environments
Perfectionism
Catastrophizing
Mixed feelings
about success
35. Reality Check:Reality Check:
Strategic ThinkingStrategic Thinking
How might this decision change the
library’s position or reputation?
Will it set the stage or define a pattern for
future decisions?
Do library stakeholders need a heads-up?
Who will get credit if things turn out well?
36. Take Time to Write a BriefTake Time to Write a Brief
Summary of Your ProcessSummary of Your Process
37. Step #7:Step #7:
Move ForwardMove Forward
Communicate the decision/solution
Plan the implementation
Monitor results
Learn as you go
38. When Things Go WrongWhen Things Go Wrong
Work each problem
Re-prioritize if
necessary
Maintain focus on
desired outcomes
After a fair trial, change
options