Finally, here are some thoughts from Steven Johnson’s book Farsighted: How We Make the Decisions That Matter the Most, on the eight primary factors that contribute to the challenge of quality decision-making. ‘Complex decisions:
Involve multiple variables.
Require full-spectrum analysis.
Force us to predict the future.
Involve varied levels of uncertainty.
Often involve conflicting objectives.
Harbour undiscovered options.
Are prone to System 1 failings.
Are vulnerable to failure of collective intelligence.43
Building innovation and business resilience, in these uncertain times, requires people within organisations to work together to make informed, quality strategic decisions. Right now, more than ever, organisations need to build in time for fluid contemplation and the construction of good questions when approaching decision-making, instead of rushing to quick solutions. Remember that short-term decisions made today will have long-term implications for the future.
