Weigh up Decisions With a Simple Approach

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About the Tool

Weighing up pros and cons can speed up the decision-making process, improve your understanding of the situation, and help you avoid decision-making paralysis. Using a simple "pros" and "cons" list encourages you to approach your decision objectively, without letting your "gut feeling" impact your choice.

This method is particularly useful in group decision making, when team members favor a certain idea, point of view, or plan. It encourages each person to consider other perspectives, and it can help your team reach a balanced, informed decision.


Weighing up the pros and cons of a decision is a quick and easy process.

First, write the decision you have to make at the top of a sheet of paper. Next, divide it in half vertically, and label one side "Pros" and the other "Cons." Then, list all of the possible positive consequences of the decision in the pros column, and all the negative effects in the cons column.

It may already be obvious whether you should implement the decision at this stage. If not, consider the points you've written down, and assign a positive or negative value to each one. For example, a score of +5 may be strongly favorable, while -1 may be mildly unfavorable. Try to score as objectively as possible!

Once you've finished, add up the scores in each column, and subtract the total cons from the total pros. A positive overall score indicates that you should go ahead with the decision, while a negative one suggests you should scrap it.

Remember, always use your common sense. If you suspect that the solution isn't appropriate, take some time to identify any factors you may have missed.

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_05.htm