Have A Say.

'Whatever you do in life, policy, politics, commodities, consumer stuff, make sure the voter understands there's some opportunity at least – whether they take it on – for them to have a say. 'Cause otherwise, what's the point?'

- Mark Textor, Political Campaign and Corporate Strategist

Step 5 of the Five Steps to a Good Decision is to Give a Hearing.

It's an opportunity for the 'voter' - the person who will be affected by your decision - to have a say.

Here's how you do it:

'Based upon the following information I'm considering making X decision that may cause Y to you. You are invited to give me any reasons why I should not make this decision. I will take your reasons into account when deciding what to do.'

It's more than a token gesture.

It allows the decision maker to hear what should be the most compelling argument against their decision by the person who has the most to lose. That person has the greatest incentive to present every possible counter-argument.

Their response is one of the best antidotes to groupthink.

If a decision maker is reluctant to show his decision making reasoning to a person who may suffer loss as a result of it, then it calls into question how confident he is of his argument.

A sign that it won't be a good decision.