Effective decision-making is a critical skill for improving productivity. Individuals and teams can avoid wasting time and resources on unproductive activities by making informed choices. Here are some steps to improve productivity through effective decision-making. By following these steps, individuals and teams can make informed decisions that increase productivity and success.

1. Own Your Decision - Only some decisions will lead to the results you want. You must eliminate the feelings of guilt, blame, and shame you experienced when a choice you made did not provide the intended results if you want to be genuinely productive. Numerous reasons led to the outcome, but those emotions don't help you learn the lesson or use it positively or effectively.
2. Adapt and adjust - Preparation and contingencies are crucial, but progress and your intended success depend on rational and prompt decision-making throughout implementation. Impactful decisions are made at every stage of the process, not just when the fundamental decision about direction is made.
3. Get perspective - You need to step out from the existing scenario to see what it truly is to solve the problem, find innovation, and create something new. Usually, the problem that initially manifests is only a symptom. You can gain perspective, improve flexibility, and find the actual cause of the problem more quickly when you remove yourself from the situation.
4. Implementation: Just do it! - Energy and focus can then be directed toward putting the decision into implementation. Momentum is created through reaching milestones and taking action toward your goals. To ride the wave during the implementation process, momentum is essential.
5. Establish precise criteria for the decision - When you assess a new position, alter your business plan, engage a new employee, or even file for divorce, you must determine the criteria by which the decision will be made. This will increase the likelihood that you are gathering and analyzing the pertinent data before making a decision.
6. Clarify the outcome you desire - To decide, you must know your intended outcome and relate to what will be changed when you reach this outcome. Clear purpose offers the enthusiasm and motivation to commit to a decision and see it through regardless of the challenges. To create responsibility and follow through, you need a goal.

Source: https://pennyzenker360.com/productive-decision-making/