Making Things Happen

Whether we are setting goals, planning how to achieve them, or coping with the issues which arise in organizing and carrying out day-to-day activities, making things happen as we wish them to (and preventing unwanted events!) depends on our ability to take and implement decisions. To accomplish both the taking and implementing of decisions consistently well is no mean task. Ingredients for success include self-discipline, perception, creativity, dynamism and considerable skill in handling both individuals and groups.

Taking Decisions

Decision-taking can be a painful process since it usually involves

• (1)
  change;
• (2)
  conflict;
• (3)
  the risk of being wrong and being called to account; and
• (4)
  having to cope with a bewildering number of facts and alternatives.

The result is that many people ...