Three Characteristics of A Good Decision: Whole, Coherent, and Transparent. Five Steps to a Good Decision.

What is a good decision? A good decision resolves an issue or responds effectively to an event. A good decision considers those who must implement it. A good decision anticipates negative consequences and aims for a preponderance of benefits. A good decision does not require that everyone be happy with the result or agree with the decision-maker. A good decision reflects the integrity of the decision-making process. In short, good decisions work.

Integrity is a big word. Commentators routinely bemoan the absence of integrity, whether in the form of CEOs’ and political leaders’ shortcomings, celebrities’ moral lapses, or the media’s repeated violations of public sensibilities. Few who use the term “integrity” define what they mean. Most speak only about the space left when integrity is missing in action.

Some authors define integrity as a dimension of a decision-maker’s character. Others define it as a stand-alone quality of a decision or action, without regard to process or context. Our emphasis is different. For us, a decision-maker builds integrity as she goes. Complete decisions, decisions made with integrity, feature three elements: they are whole, coherent, and transparent. The process of reaching such a decision is deliberate and always makes space for reflection. Even when decisions must be made quickly, reflection is always possible, always important. Without it, any decision is incomplete and more likely to fail.

First, decisions made with integrity are whole. A building has structural integrity when all necessary supporting components are present, solid, and connected, from the foundation to the roof. An important decision requires similar attention if it is to stand and endure. The foundation stones for all significant decisions are our values. We choose and decide based on what is important to us. A decision is whole and sound when we’ve done the homework and understand what is involved. We’ve talked with, or at least thought about, others who deserve to be considered. Finally, before we act, we have reflected on what really matters. We have covered the bases.

Second, decisions made with integrity are coherent. Coherence comes when the reasons we give for our decision actually align with the decision itself. Coherence is not accidental. We create it. When we deliberately integrate our beliefs and actions, we walk our talk. There is more to good decision-making than facing difficult situations with courage, acting with resolve, and believing that doing so is sufficient. Missing is the up-front work of considering important values, others’ and ours. When our reasons and values resonate with our decisions, coherence is obvious. Good decisions are coherent.

Finally, good decisions are transparent. Without direct, on-the-level communication, integrity suffers. Every week, newspapers feature exposés of political corruption, government cover-ups, or business scandals. Op-ed columnists lament the absence of accountability in public and political arenas. Nationwide, our citizens report that they just don’t believe what they read and hear. Accountability and trust rest on openness and honesty. When we speak directly and candidly to others about our decision and its impact, we become accountable for our choice. Integrity requires telling the truth, including the hard parts.

It is difficult to achieve integrity in decision-making by ourselves. Reflection and careful consideration benefit from different perspectives. Our challenging, important choices become more solid and complete when we engage others. Even when we can, or must, make a decision alone, our action reaches beyond us. It may affect family members, fellow employees, or others.

We may need to listen to individuals or groups who, though not directly affected, have important concerns. Consulting others can strengthen the decision and increase the chances of successful implementation.

The following five steps move us along the road to a good decision:
1. Clarify the perspective others and we bring to the issue.
2. Comprehend the range of what matters to others and us.
3. Commit to what is most important that will guide the decision.
4. Choose a course of action that aligns with the most important values.
5. Communicate the decision to others openly and honestly.

A good decision, one that is whole, coherent, and transparent, succeeds at each step. A decision’s integrity mirrors the quality of the decision-maker’s process. While character and intent matter, as does the ethical content of the final decision, no book can dictate to you what a good decision is in your particular situation.

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