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The Global Insight

What makes a good decision maker?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 01, 2026

A good decision-maker chooses actions that give the best outcome for themselves and others. They enter into the decision-making process with an open mind and do not let their own biases sway them. Good decision-makers involve others when appropriate and use knowledge, data and opinions to shape their final decisions.

How can you make everyday decisions better?

Here are four strategies to make it easier:

  1. Practice in Your Comfort Zone. You’re already stretching yourself to make—and stick to—a decision, so don’t pressure yourself to work on this skill when you have a million other things going on.
  2. Make Small Decisions—Fast.
  3. Build Yourself Up.
  4. Give Yourself Feedback.

How do you know if you are making the right decision?

  1. You’re going to be at least a little scared.
  2. The loud voices will start sounding.
  3. You’re going to feel uncomfortable.
  4. You’re going to question yourself.
  5. You’re going to feel your confidence grow.
  6. You’re going to make new and wonderful friends.
  7. You’ll find yourself making more and more decisions more quickly.

How can I sharpen my decision making skills?

7 Unusual Ways to Improve Your Decision-Making Skills

  1. Get some arts and culture in your life.
  2. Develop your programming or language skills.
  3. Hang out with people of all ages.
  4. Exercise.
  5. Get experimental with your cooking.
  6. Get social online.
  7. Write down the pros and cons.

What influences our decision making?

There are several important factors that influence decision making. Significant factors include past experiences, a variety of cognitive biases, an escalation of commitment and sunk outcomes, individual differences, including age and socioeconomic status, and a belief in personal relevance.

What are the keys to making a good decision?

The Keys To Making a Good Decision Identify the decision to be made as well as the objectives or outcome you want to achieve. Do your homework. Brainstorm and come up with several possible choices. Weigh the probabilities or possible outcomes. Make a list of the pros and cons.

Why is it difficult to make good decisions?

These types of decisions are difficult because they are life changing decisions; they shape who we are, and they shape our future. Making good decisions is a method that must be learned. It is not something with which we are innately born, but merely a step by step process that is usually ascertained from life experience.

How to make yourself a better decision maker?

9 Little Habits That Make You a Better Decision Maker. 1 Take Note of Your Overconfidence. Compassionate Eye Foundation / Getty Images. 2 Identify the Risks You Take. 3 Frame Your Problems In a Different Way. 4 Stop Thinking About the Problem. 5 Set Aside Time to Reflect on Your Mistakes. More items