Making better decisions is both an art and a science. In our fast-paced world, we often rely on gut instincts, but these snap judgments can lead to missed opportunities or unforeseen consequences. Drawing on insights from the book Think Twice by Michael J. Mauboussin, here are seven strategies to help you approach decision-making with greater clarity and confidence.

1. Raise your awareness. Good decisions start with self-awareness. Recognize your biases and the patterns that influence your choices. Are you leaning on past experiences without questioning their relevance? Taking a step back to examine your decision-making process can help you avoid repeating mistakes and open your mind to new perspectives.

2. Put yourself in the shoes of others. Empathy isn’t just about kindness—it’s a critical thinking tool. By considering how others might perceive a situation or react to your decisions, you can anticipate challenges, identify blind spots, and find win-win solutions. Ask yourself: How would I feel if I were in their position? What might they value or fear?

3. Think about the context of the situation. Every decision is shaped by its context. Let me say it differently; context influences your decisions. The same choice can yield different outcomes depending on timing, resources, and external conditions. Before you decide, ask: What factors are influencing this situation? How might a change in context affect my options or outcomes?

4. Remember that your actions trigger reactions. No decision exists in isolation. When you act, others react. These reactions can amplify or undermine your initial intentions. For example, a manager’s decision to implement a new policy may spark resistance if employees feel excluded from the process. Think through potential ripple effects to ensure your actions lead to the desired outcomes.

5. Consider what motivates others’ decisions. Understanding the motivations of others is key to effective collaboration and negotiation. Are they driven by financial incentives, personal values, or fear of failure? By identifying these underlying drivers, you can tailor your approach to align with their priorities, fostering cooperation and mutual understanding.

6. Develop empathy. Empathy goes beyond understanding others’ perspectives; it’s about genuinely connecting with their emotions and experiences. This deeper level of insight can help you build trust, defuse conflicts, and make decisions that resonate on a human level. Practice active listening and seek to understand before being understood.

7. Recognize the role of skill and luck. Not every outcome is a direct result of your efforts. Success and failure are often shaped by a mix of skill and luck. When evaluating past decisions, avoid the trap of hindsight bias. Instead, ask: What did I control, and what was beyond my control? This perspective helps you learn from experience without unfairly blaming or crediting yourself.

Bottom line: Better decisions come from awareness, empathy, and strategic thinking. By incorporating these seven principles into your decision-making process, you can navigate complexity with greater confidence and adaptability. Remember, great decision-making isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. The more intentional you are about your choices, the more likely you are to achieve outcomes that align with your values and goals.