“Your best decisions enable you to look forward to getting up each morning.”

Having selected the best course of action to be taken, test your decision. Discuss it with key associates and those who will be most directly affected by it. Try to draw out any obstacles or objections and have a backup plan ready. But remember, when you announce your decision, you must be prepared to sell it by I) presenting the facts as you see them, 2) pointing out the weaknesses you found in other plans, 3) responding to all known objections and explaining how they will be met, 4) detailing the benefits, and 5) finding new believers and advocates. By word and action, let it be known that you are committed to yourdecision, and to making it work.

If it is possible to test your ideas before you go full-scale, do it. Be prepared to make some unexpected modifications or corrections.

Some problems may seem to defy solution, no matter how hard you try. Beware of these hazards:

• Some people may be hesitant to criticize you and are telling you what they think you want to hear rather than revealing their true feelings.

• Urgency often stimulates unreliable judgment.

• Persistent conflicts may be working against a constructive and cooperative solution.

• Those who feel responsible for creating or contributing to a problem are protecting themselves.

• People are looking at the situation only from their own viewpoints.

• Resistance to change is creating tension, fear and uncertainty.

You can overcome these tendencies if you are able to bring out your best.