Phases of Decision Making as a group process

Managers who recognize decision making as a group process that unfolds over time increase their likelihood of making more effective decisions. Why? Because by devoting time to the process, they are able to identify and assess the issues associated with making the decision. 

By involving others, they weigh different perspectives and deepen the discussion.

Perhaps most important, taking a process-driven approach is more likely to lead to broader acceptance of the decision—and to more effective implementation.

The decision-making process can be broken into three distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Establishing a context for success is the point at which you set the parameters for the decision making process. You'll decide who should be involved and how you'll operate as a group.
• Phase 2: Assessing the situation and choosing a course of action is when you determine the root cause of the issue you are trying to resolve and discuss possible solutions. By the end of this phase, your group should reach a decision. 
• Phase 3: Communicating and implementing the decision is the final stage, during which you notify stakeholders of your group's decision and take steps to put it into action.  

Keep in mind that this topic addresses business decisions that are important and far-reaching. It assumes that such decisions cannot be made effectively by one individual operating in a vacuum. However, many of the general principles conveyed in this topic can be applied to smaller decisions that, for whatever reasons, need to be made without group input.