Summer 2005

"A man without a decision can never be said to belong to himself."

~John Watson Foster

800.987.5582

An effective decision making process fulfills these six criteria:

1. it focuses on what's important.

2. it is logical and consistent.

3. it acknowledges both subjective and objective facts and blends analytical with intuitive thinking.

4. it requires only as much information and analysis as is necessary to resolve a particular dilemma.

5. it encourages and guides the gathering of relevant information and informed opinion.

6. it is straight-forward, reliable, easy to use, and flexible.

~Excerpted from Smart Choices

Smart Choices: Book Review

by John S. Hammond, Ralph L. Keeney, and Howard Raiffa

Decisions shape our experiences, from choosing which job offer to accept, to buying the right car, to selecting a good accountant. How do we know which choice is the smart one? How can we be consistent and confident in our decisions? In this book, you'll learn how to approach all types of decisions with a simple set of skills developed by professors from Havard, MIT and the University of Southern California.

Combining solid research with common sense and practical experience, this user-friendly guide shows readers how to assess deep-seated objectives, create a comprehensive set of alternatives, determine likely consequences, make trade-offs, and grapple with uncertainty. Not only will readers learn how to make decisions, they'll learn how to make the smartest decisions. For anyone caught at a confusing crossroads--whether you're choosing between mutual funds or deciding where to retire--the Smart Choices program will improve your decision-making abilities immediately, and make your life more rewarding and fulfilling.