1.5 - About University

A SSUMPTIONCertainMATRIXTriviaImportant factsLeastImportantMostImportantNot important anywayCritical regionUncertainH OW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL“Decision Trap Number 4:Overconfidence in Your Judgment. Failing to collect key factual informationbecause you are too sure of your assumptions and options.”—Russo and Schoemaker, DECISION TRAPSWEB WORKSHEETUse this approach to surface and analyze the assumptions that underlie decisions, particularlywhen significant consequences might result from making a poor decision. Use this template tosurface and challenge assumptions, and thus test decisions that you or your group are in theprocess of making.Step ➊Determineoptions.Step ➋Form optiongroups.Step ➌Form each optiongroup.Step ➍Work with thewhole group.Step ➎Strive forsynthesis amongoptions.Step ➏Test the finaloption.What options or alternatives seem possible, given the circumstances of this situation?[☛ 7.1 Problem Framing]What subgroups or individuals seem to support each option?[☛ 5.7 Stakeholder Groups]Have each option group surface and state the assumptions that must be true for each stakeholder group,in order for their option to be optimal. (Do this no matter how obvious, interesting, or absurd theseassumptions may appear.)Have each option group share its findings from step 3 with the group as a whole. Invite challenge andsupport to ensure all assumptions are surfaced, made explicit, and stated clearly.[☛ 10.9 Visible Information]Given the assumptions that have surfaced and corresponding implications for each option, strive toarrive at a better option. Use a synthesis of the research that has been completed for each of the originaloptions.What steps will you take to verify the selected or final option with key stakeholder groups? (UseAssumption Matrix to test and verify.)Copyright McGraw-Hill 2000. Original purchasers of this book are permitted to photocopy or customize this worksheet by downloading it fromwww.books.mcgraw-hill.com/training/download. The document can then be opened, edited, and printed using Microsoft Word or other word processingsoftware.174 SECTION 6 TOOLS FOR CRITICAL THINKING AND INNOVATION