stion. It is also one of the most dangerous steps. The way a problem is framed can profoundly influence the choices you make. A poorly framed problem can undermine even the best-considered decision. But any adverse effect of framing can be limited by taking the following precautions: Do not automatically accept the initial frame, whether it was formulated by you or by someone else. Always try to reframe the problem in various ways. Look for distortions caused by the frames. Try posing problems in a neutral way that embraces different reference points. Think hard throughout your decision-making process about the framing of the problem. At points throughout the process, particularly near the end, ask yourself how your thinking might change if the framing changed. When others recommend decisions, examine the way they framed the problem. Challenge them with different frames.The Japanese make decisions by consensus, and they have developed a systematic decision-making process. The critical first step in the Japanese decision-making system is to define the problem and then proceed through well-defined stages to arrive at an effective decision. For example, the Japanese flush out various opinions without any discussion of the answer. The Japanese focus on exploring and debating the merits of alternatives, rather than on the optimal solution. The process includes all parties that are affected by the decision. When a consensus is reached, the decision can be easily implemented because people implementing the decision were intimately involved in the decision-making process.The disagreement between Mr. Neyland and the board member regarding who should succeed Mr. Neyland has sabotaged the effective decision-making process. It is highly unlikely that the next president will be the "best" candidate, and politics will compromise the integrity of the decision process. Naturally, there are enormous implications for the economic health of...
