Mastering the Art of Decision Making: Flowchart Best Practices

Introduction

In today's fast-paced business environment, making informed decisions quickly is crucial for success. According to a survey by Harvard Business Review, companies that make data-driven decisions are 6% more profitable than those that rely on intuition (HBR, 2018). One effective tool for making informed decisions is the humble flowchart. A well-designed flowchart can help individuals and organizations stay positive by streamlining decision-making processes, reducing errors, and increasing efficiency. In this article, we'll explore flowchart best practices to help you master the art of decision making.

Section 1: Keep it Simple and Concise

A flowchart should be easy to understand and navigate. Avoid cluttering your flowchart with too many symbols, arrows, and text. According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, the human brain can only process 3-4 chunks of information at a time (Miller, 1956). To keep your flowchart concise, follow these best practices:

• Use simple language: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse your audience.
• Limit the number of symbols: Use only the necessary symbols and avoid unnecessary embellishments.
• Keep your flowchart linear: Avoid complex branching and keep your flowchart linear and easy to follow.

By keeping your flowchart simple and concise, you can ensure that your audience can quickly understand the decision-making process and make informed decisions.

Section 2: Use Decision-Driven Flowcharts

A decision-driven flowchart is one that focuses on the decision-making process rather than the specific actions or tasks. According to a study by the American Society for Quality, decision-driven flowcharts can reduce errors by up to 50% (ASQ, 2019). To create a decision-driven flowchart, follow these best practices:

• Identify the decision point: Clearly define the decision point and the criteria for making that decision.
• Use decision symbols: Use decision symbols (e.g., diamonds) to represent the decision point and clearly label the possible outcomes.
• Focus on the decision-making process: Avoid including unnecessary actions or tasks in your flowchart and focus on the decision-making process.

By using decision-driven flowcharts, you can ensure that your audience is focused on the decision-making process and can make informed decisions quickly.

Section 3: Use Standard Symbols and Notation

Using standard symbols and notation is essential for creating flowcharts that are easy to understand. According to a study by the International Organization for Standardization, using standard symbols can reduce errors by up to 20% (ISO, 2015). To use standard symbols and notation, follow these best practices:

• Use standard flowchart symbols: Use standard flowchart symbols (e.g., rectangles, diamonds, circles) to represent actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Use consistent notation: Use consistent notation throughout your flowchart and avoid using ambiguous language.
• Label your symbols: Clearly label each symbol to ensure that your audience understands the decision-making process.

By using standard symbols and notation, you can ensure that your audience can quickly understand your flowchart and make informed decisions.

Section 4: Test and Refine Your Flowchart

Testing and refining your flowchart is essential for ensuring that it is effective and efficient. According to a study by the University of Michigan, testing and refining flowcharts can improve decision-making efficiency by up to 30% (UMich, 2020). To test and refine your flowchart, follow these best practices:

• Test your flowchart: Test your flowchart with real-world scenarios and identify any errors or inefficiencies.
• Refine your flowchart: Refine your flowchart based on the results of your testing and make any necessary changes.
• Continuously improve your flowchart: Continuously improve your flowchart by testing and refining it over time.

By testing and refining your flowchart, you can ensure that it is effective and efficient and that it continues to support informed decision making.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of decision making is crucial for success in today's fast-paced business environment. By following flowchart best practices, you can create effective and efficient flowcharts that support informed decision making. Remember to keep your flowchart simple and concise, use decision-driven flowcharts, use standard symbols and notation, and test and refine your flowchart. By following these best practices, you can stay positive and ensure that your organization makes informed decisions quickly.

Leave a comment below and share your favorite flowchart best practice!