DECISION BALANCE SHEET

(SAMPLE)

Have you ever had a hard time making a decision because you could not keep all the issues up front in you mind at one time?  Perhaps this method will help you clear your mind after you analyze what you are considering.  Get a piece of paper or your favorite spreadsheet and follow the instructions to a clear answer.

Instructions:

1. State the question to be decided on the top line.

2. List each "pro" or "con" item no matter how important.

3. Let the list sit for 24 hours and add any items that come to mind.

4. Pick the most important item and put a score of 100 next to it.

5. Go down both "pro" and "con" list scoring each item with a number that is related to the percentage of importance to the item given the 100 score.

6. Let the list sit for 24 hours.

7. Check the scores you gave to each item and adjust as appropriate.

8. Add the scores. The decision is based upon the weight of the total numbers.

Decision: Should I go to Arizona for vacation?

Score

PRO

Score

CON

60

See Grand Canyon

100

Cost

40

See Las Vegas

70

Away from business for a week

55

Visit Aunt Ruthie

75

Leave dogs in kennel

24

Time away from home will be longer

20

No personal car, use rental

45

Like the climate better

10

Hot weather

90

Get to fly

70

Trip to lake will be cheaper

50

Use air mileage

45

Will have to see Old Sam

10

Buy American Native souvenirs

68

Kids may get restless seeing sights

5

Stay in USA

62

Wife would rather go to Alaska

26

Travel through Phoenix

20

Like to stay home on weekends

65

No phones

470

540

The decision made is: Do not go to Arizona.

If this sheet does not work because it is too simple, try this one.  Comparison Decision Balance Sheet