DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Every day, we make hundreds of decisions—from what to eat to how to respond to a crisis. While some choices are routine, others are complex, ambiguous, or carry high stakes. Our ability to think clearly, evaluate options, and act decisively is central to our personal growth, professional effectiveness, and leadership impact.

Great decision-makers aren’t born—they’re developed. They don’t always have perfect information, but they know how to cut through complexity, weigh trade-offs, manage emotions, and stay aligned with their values and goals.

In this article, we’ll explore the art and science of decision-making and problem solving, including practical frameworks and mindsets to help you make better choices in less time, with greater confidence.

Why decision-making matters

Decision-making is not just a cognitive skill—it’s an emotional, social, and strategic one. Strong decision-making leads to:

• Better use of time and resources
• Increased confidence and clarity
• More effective leadership and teamwork
• Reduced stress and regret
• Faster learning through feedback and iteration

On the flip side, poor decision-making—whether from avoidance, impulsivity, or overthinking—can lead to missed opportunities, burnout, and stalled progress.

The two types of decisions: Fast vs. slow thinking

Psychologist Daniel Kahneman, in his book Thinking, Fast and Slow, identifies two modes of thought:

System 1: Fast, intuitive, emotional
System 2: Slow, deliberate, analytical

Both systems are valuable.

System 1 helps us make quick judgments based on experience (e.g., recognizing danger or reading a facial expression).
System 2 helps us slow down, analyze, and reason through complex problems (e.g., planning a strategy or resolving a conflict).

Effective decision-makers know when to trust their gut—and when to engage deeper reflection.

A practical framework for decision-making

1. Define the decision clearly
   What exactly needs to be decided? Ambiguity creates confusion and delay. Make the question specific:

• “Which vendor should we choose?”
• “Should I take this job offer?”
• “How do we respond to this client issue?”

2. Identify your options
   List realistic choices—not just the extremes. Get creative. Sometimes the best option is one you haven’t thought of yet.

• Option A: Accept the offer
• Option B: Decline
• Option C: Negotiate new terms

3. Gather relevant information
   Avoid analysis paralysis—focus on what’s essential. Ask:

• What data or evidence is relevant?
• What do I know for sure vs. what’s uncertain?
• Whose perspectives should I consider?

4. Weigh pros and cons
   For each option, consider:

• Benefits and risks
• Short-term and long-term implications
• Alignment with your values, priorities, and goals

You can use tools like a decision matrix, SWOT analysis, or even a simple pro/con list.

5. Check for cognitive biases
   Our brains take shortcuts that can distort judgment. Watch out for:

• Confirmation bias – seeking info that supports your view
• Loss aversion – fearing loss more than valuing gain
• Sunk cost fallacy – sticking with a bad choice because of past investment
• Overconfidence – overestimating your accuracy or knowledge

Naming these biases can reduce their influence.

6. Make the decision & commit
   Once you’ve evaluated your options, decide. Don’t wait for perfect certainty—it rarely comes. Take ownership of the choice and communicate it clearly.

As Peter Drucker said:

“A decision without action is a daydream.”

7. Reflect and learn
   After the outcome, ask:

• What worked? What didn’t?
• What would I do differently next time?
• What did I learn about myself or the situation?

Reflection builds wisdom for future decisions.

Problem solving: Turning obstacles into opportunities

Problem solving is decision-making applied to challenges. Here’s a simple, effective problem-solving process:

1. Define the problem
   Clarify the root issue—not just the symptoms.

Bad: “Sales are down.”
Better: “Customer churn has increased due to poor onboarding.”

Use techniques like the “5 Whys” to get to the core.

2. Understand the context

• Who is affected?
• What constraints exist (time, budget, resources)?
• What has already been tried?

3. Generate solutions
   Brainstorm without judgment. Invite diverse perspectives. Aim for quantity before quality.
4. Evaluate and select
   Assess solutions using criteria such as feasibility, cost, impact, and speed.
5. Plan and execute
   Create a step-by-step plan with responsibilities, deadlines, and resources.
6. Monitor and adjust
   Track progress. Be willing to pivot or refine based on results.

Mindsets for better decisions and problem solving

1. Stay curious
   Assume you don’t know everything. Ask better questions. Explore before you conclude.
2. Embrace uncertainty
   You’ll never have all the information. Act with what you have—and adapt as you learn.
3. Separate emotion from action
   Feelings are valid, but don’t let fear or ego drive the decision. Take a breath. Step back.
4. Use deliberate pauses
   Even in fast-paced situations, a short pause can create space for better thinking. Ask, “What’s the next best step?”
5. Prioritize progress over perfection
   Waiting for the perfect answer often delays action. Choose a good enough path—and iterate forward.
6. Make it a team sport
   In complex situations, collaborate. Gather input, share ownership, and benefit from diverse insights.

Tools and techniques

• Eisenhower matrix: Prioritize by urgency and importance
• Cost-benefit Analysis: Weigh value vs. effort
• Pre-mortem: Imagine your decision failed—why?
• Decision trees: Visualize outcomes and consequences
• OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act): Used in dynamic environments

— — —

Strong decision-making and problem-solving don’t require genius—they require structure, self-awareness, and practice.

To sharpen your abilities:

• Clarify the decision or problem
• Evaluate options with both logic and intuition
• Manage cognitive biases and emotions
• Take action—and reflect to learn

Whether you’re making a career move, leading a project, or navigating personal crossroads, these tools can help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and calm.

Because in the end, life is shaped less by the decisions we make—and more by how we make them.