Management Tip of the Day: See the Big Picture Before Making a Decision

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 23, 2012 See the Big Picture Before Making a Decision Successful strategic thinkers always have perspective. They consider the potential impact of their actions on those beyond their team or unit. Next time you need to make a big decision, here are three ways to make sure your thinking isn't too narrow: Explore the outcomes. With every idea, ask yourself, "If we implement this idea, how will other units and stakeholders be affected? What might be the long-term ramifications?" Expand your range of alternatives. Gather ideas and concerns from everyone who has an interest in the decision or who will be affected by the outcome. Consider the customer. Look at the decision through your customers' eyes. What will they think and which alternative will they prefer? If you're not sure, think about asking them. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Strategic Thinking. Buy the course and learn on-the-job skills for strategic thinking » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Marketing Simulation: Managing Segments and Customers V2 Online Tools In this single-player simulation, you can define and execute a business-to-business marketing strategy at a manufacturer for motors used in medical devices. Customers are divided into market segments based on their requirements for two key motor performance features and price. You must analyze each market segment and decide which new customers you want to acquire while also considering the loyal customers you must retain. Ultimately you must achieve a sustainable revenue stream to maximize cumulative profit for the company. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Win the Pitch Handle Both Kinds of Conflict Take Mini Email Vacations Every Day Stop Wasting Your Boss's Time Let Employees Tell Their Own Stories about Change Change Your Culture a Few Behaviors at a Time Apply the Right Kind of Pressure to Innovators Create Raving Fans for Your Idea Demonstrate Your Credibility as a Leader Explore a New Career with an Informational Interview All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing HBR's Morning Advantage The Harvard Business Review Morning Advantage delivers the latest business ideas from beyond HBR.org directly to your inbox every morning — and it is free! Sign up today >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)