Lindsay Taylor, founder of Your Excellency, shares her confidence‑building techniques to help you make smarter, more effective decisions
Decision-making is a constant feature of our professional (and personal) lives. Some are simple, others carry significant consequences. Yet many people still make decisions reactively, emotionally, or without clear structure, leading to doubt, confusion, and wasted time.
This article brings together practical techniques from problem-solving, creative visualisation, and solution-focused thinking, reframing them into a powerful approach for making consistently effective decisions.
Why Effective Decision-Making Matters
Every decision, whether selecting a supplier, preparing a board report, managing diaries, or streamlining processes, shapes outcomes. Effective decisions:
- Save time and reduce stress
- Improve communication and clarity
- Support business goals
- Strengthen credibility and trust
- Build confidence and resilience
Rather than seeing decisions as obstacles, this guide helps you approach them with clarity, intention, and structure.
The IDEAL Decision Model
Adapted from well-known problem-solving methods, the IDEAL model provides a simple, repeatable framework for tackling decisions of any size.
1. Identify the decision point
Start by identifying exactly what decision needs to be made. Many people jump to solutions before defining the decision itself.
Ask yourself:
- What has happened that requires a decision?
- What is the real choice here?
- What is within my control to decide and what isn’t?
Being clear at this stage prevents wasted effort and ensures you’re tackling the right issue.
2. Define what “good” looks like
Instead of simply choosing the first acceptable option, take time to clarify what a good outcome would be.
Using a “well-formed outcome” approach can help:
- State the decision goal in positive terms: “I will…”
- Picture success as if it has already happened
- Make it specific, motivating, and realistic
- Ensure it is within your control
This gives meaning and direction to your decision, making the right choice easier to spot.
3. Explore a range of options
Effective decisions come from considering multiple perspectives and ideas, not just the obvious or familiar ones.
Use two complementary thinking styles:
Logical Thinking (fact-based)
- What information do you have?
- What are the constraints, risks, or requirements?
- What does the data say?
Creative Thinking (imaginative)
- Use creative visualisation: Imagine the future if you choose Option A, B, or C.
- Step into others’ shoes: How would colleagues, customers, or future-you view this decision?
- Try lateral-thinking tools like random words or images to spark new associations.
When you combine logic with creativity, you see a richer landscape of possibilities, often leading to innovative, well-balanced decisions.
4. Act with intention
Make the decision and then support it with a clear implementation plan.
Consider:
- What happens first?
- Who needs to know?
- What resources are required?
- What are the risks, and what are your contingency plans (Plan B, C…)?
Acting with intention transforms a decision from an idea into meaningful action.
5. Look back and learn
After the decision has been implemented, take time to reflect. This is the most commonly skipped step, yet it delivers the greatest long-term benefit.
Ask:
- What worked well?
- What didn’t go as expected?
- What would I do differently next time?
- What lessons can I share with the team?
This learning mindset builds decision-making confidence and continuously improves your future performance.
Using Creative Visualisation to Strengthen Decisions
Creative visualisation isn’t just for goal setting. It’s a powerful decision-making tool. By mentally rehearsing the future, you can:
- See the emotional and practical impact of each option
- Identify potential obstacles before they arise
- Motivate yourself to follow through
- Build confidence in your preferred choice
Try visualising three different “future memories” – one for each major option – and notice how each one feels. Often, clarity emerges naturally from this process.
Creating A Decision-Friendly Office Culture
Decision-making improves when the surrounding environment supports clarity, creativity, and collaboration. A decision-friendly culture includes:
- Enabling beliefs: a mindset that solutions exist and progress is possible
- Balanced thinking: applying both data and creativity
- Regular reviews: learning from past decisions as a team
- Visual tools: mind maps, whiteboards, and templates to map out decisions
- Solution-focused communication: asking “What do we want to happen next?” rather than dwelling on setbacks
This culture makes decisions faster, more consistent, and more aligned with organisational goals.
Bringing It All Together
Effective decision-making isn’t a talent reserved for senior leaders; it’s a skill anyone can learn and apply. By using the IDEAL model, creative visualisation, and a solution-focused mindset, you can:
- Approach decisions with clarity
- Generate better options
- Act confidently
- Learn continuously
In doing so, you strengthen your impact, enhance your professionalism, and position yourself as a trusted partner in your organisation’s success.
