The Power of Decision Tables

Have you ever used “pros and cons” lists to help you make difficult decisions? After reading this post, I hope you’ll give up those lists in favor of a much more powerful thinking tool: the decision table.

I see your lists, Leslie Nope, and I raise you a matrix.

Here’s how decision tables work, in a nutshell. Rather than making lists, organize all your thoughts and information in the structure of a matrix, of the sort that is sketched below (you can find more detailed instructions, templates, and specific examples here).

1. As column headers: fill in your evaluation criteria – that is, all the factors that matter for your decision.
2. As row headers: fill in all your options – that is, your alternatives, or possible courses of action.
3. Then fill the cells inside the matrix with your “data”: what do you expect from each of your options, for each of your criteria?

Why are decision tables better than pros and cons lists?

• The table structure allows for more than two options. Even if you currently see only two options, the table will naturally encourage you to think more creatively about how to improve or combine your options so that you can maximize the positive outcomes on each of your criteria.
• The table forces you to think systematically, in a balanced way. For example, it will not allow you to focus on the pros of one option and the cons of others, as we tend to do otherwise.
• The matrix structure can hold a lot of information without overwhelming your working memory. This creates a great amount of clarity, even in very complex situations.
• It is a great tool to search for information, showing you clearly where you might still have gaps in your knowledge.
• If you want to evaluate your options quantitatively to determine a winner, the table allows for weighting your criteria and ranking your options. You can find more instructions on how to do that, including spreadsheet templates and examples here.
• If you’re making decisions with others, a table is a great basis for discussion and for sharing thought processes and information.
• Even if you’re not sharing your decision with anyone, documenting your own thought processes for yourself will give you the peace of mind that you’re making the best decision you can, based on your current knowledge. This is very empowering and will help you commit fully once you’ve decided on a course of action. It will also help you revisit the decision later if necessary, as new information comes in.

by Ursina Teuscher (PhD), at Teuscher Decision Coaching, Portland OR