Master Decision Making in your Business with a Simple Triangle

It may seem overly simplistic, but this simple triangle of decision-making can be a powerful tool for making decisions in your business based on facts rather than emotions.

If you’ve listened to the Head Shepherds Podcast Episode, "The Power of Staying Curious" with Nigel Kerin, you would have heard me discuss the Triangle of Decision Making—a straightforward tool we use in our business to help us:

• Make decisions based on facts rather than emotions
• Battle test ideas
• Identify the weakest links in our business
• Troubleshoot problems and challenges
• Turn challenges into opportunities

When using this model, keep in mind the decision, idea, or problem you're working through, and then analyse each side of the triangle to guide your decision-making process. In the centre of the triangle, we have our business values. Each time we evaluate the sides of the triangle to make our decisions, we also ask ourselves: Does this decision align with our business values? If the answer is no, then we go no further.

watch the video below for more examples and a further explanation.

At first glance, you might think, “This seems a little too simple.” However, simplicity doesn’t mean ineffectiveness. One of the biggest challenges farming businesses face is making decisions that consider all the elements necessary for success. Often, businesses lack a tool or a network to act as a sounding board for decision-making.

So my advice is this: If you need a decision-making tool or don’t have a reliable support network, get a large sheet of flip chart paper and draw the triangle diagram on three separate pieces. Place one in your home/business office, one in the smoko room, and one in the workshop. The next time you're unsure about a decision, consult the triangle diagram and test your idea against each side of the triangle.

If you still can’t reach a solid decision after consulting the triangle, I suggest revisiting the triangle while discussing the idea with someone from your support network. I also offer myself to be a part of your support network—feel free to reach out anytime you need a sounding board. A problem shared is a problem solved.

If you're interested in finding out more about Kerin Ag's Support Network head to our Support Network Page.