Irreversible
|
The decision, once made,
cannot be unmade.
|
Commits you irrevocably
when there are no other
options.
|
Should not be used as an
all-or-nothing instant
escape from general
indecision.
|
Reversible
|
The decision can be
changed completely,
either before, during, or
after the agreed action
begins.
|
Allows you to
acknowledge a mistake
early in the process rather
than perpetuate it.
|
Can be used when
circumstances may
change, so that reversal
may be necessary.
|
Experimental
|
The decision is not final
until the first results
appear and prove to be
satisfactory.
|
Requires positive
feedback before you can
decide on a course of
action.
|
Useful and effective when
correct move is unclear
but general direction of
action is understood.
|
Trial and Error
|
Taken in knowledge that
changes in plans will be
forced by what actually
happens in the course of
action.
|
Allows adaptation and
adjustment continually
before full and final
commitment.
|
Uses positive and
negative feedback before
continuing withtin a
particular course of action.
|
Made in Stages
|
After the initial step, further
decisions follow as each
stage of agreed action is
completed.
|
Allows close monitoring of
risks, as evidence
accumulates from
outcomes and obstacles
at every stage.
|
Permits feedback and
further discussion before
the next stage of the
decision is made.
|
Cautious
|
Decision allows for
contingencies and
problems that may crop up
later. Decision makers
hedge their bets.
|
Limits the risks inherent
in decision-making, but
also may limit the final
gains.
|
Allows you to scale down
projects that look too risky
in the first instance.
|
Conditional
|
Decision altered if certain
foreseen circumstances
arise. An "either/or"
decision, with options kept
open.
|
Prepares you to react if
the competition makes a
new move or if the game
plan changes radically.
|
Enables quick reaction to
changing circumstances.
|
Delayed
|
Put on hold until decision
makers feel the time is
right. Go-ahead given
when required elements
are in place.
|
Prevents making a
decision at the wrong time
or before all the facts are
known.
|
Opportunities requiring
fast action may be
missed.
|
