Deciding Means Cutting Off

In a world where everything - from your car to your cellphone - becomes part of a global "smart system”, the amount of captured data is growing enormously. Software developers now focus on creating systems that can decide what to discard from unstructured data streams. In business, if we like it or not, the need for quick decisions based on a growing – often chaotic – amount of data will increase, too. Bear in mind that...  

1. Deciding means "cutting off" alternatives. Nota bene: The word "decision" is related to "scissors".
2. The need for quick decisions in business life will definitely increase in future. Don't count on computer systems to help you here. The more important a decision the more you are accountable. This is an element of leadership.
3. Look for patterns and think in probabilities when deciding. You may use your gut feeling (even chess players do), but stop getting lost in vast oceans of (useless) information.

Your best help in making quick decisions is your own organisation’s strategy. If it is clear, it will set the frame and help you find the right direction.

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