You are Not Alone.

Decision making is often portrayed as a lonely business.

It shouldn’t be.

Step 1: Step Back is the only period of isolation. The retreat. The forty seconds, minutes, hours, days in the desert. The selfishness that is the springboard for selflessness. Preparation for re-entry into the world of others.

Step 2: Define the Issue. Look up and out from your pinhole camera. Point your telescope to the stars. Feel your place in the cosmos of possible futures your decision may lead to.

Step 3: Assess the Information. You’re out there. Soliciting facts, opinions, stories, contributions. You’re gathering collaborators, companions, a community of joint ownership and shareholders in your decision. You’re the host of a seminar of contributors who - unknown to each other before now - share a common interest in your search for a better future. ‘Help me to understand,’ you ask with humility and dependence. And they respond generously.

Step 4: Check for Bias. Stand up and look back at yourself. See yourself as others see you. Are you outward looking or navel gazing? Are you genuinely open to the better argument? Are you detached enough from your self-interests to see the person seated either side of you and the humanity you share with them? Are you hearing all the voices?

Step 5: Give a Hearing. Is there anyone who may be adversely affected by your decision? Scan the people who you recruited to your decision journey in Step 3. They trusted you by coming forward. Honour their generosity by telling them what you’re thinking that may not be what they expected. Invite them to tell you why you’re wrong. Be strong and humble enough to hear it. Wise and confident enough to weigh it up. Turn around and look at the line of people who have followed you on your path to making your decision. Accompanied you. Held you. Challenged you. Made it difficult and easier. Told you their truths so you can find yours.

A good decision making process is a communal act.