There are several distinct phases in any decision:

1. Formulate the problem, challenge or goal in an objective manner
2. Identify all relevant and binding constraints
3. Validate the problem/constraint definitions to ensure you are pursuing the underlying problem and not symptoms
4. Weigh the risks and rewards, and consider proportionality of this decision in the context of other needs – are you spending millions to formulate a perfect decision for a meaningless goal?
5. Confer with others, if relevant
6. Make the decision
7. Put your decision into action
8. Follow through to ensure the desired objective is actually being addressed
9. If the desired objective is not being addressed, revisit this process until a revised decision is reached and proves effective