Like Vs. Need

by John Gross

One of the reasons that issues linger and never get resolved is that we fail to make decisions. Instead, we get caught up in agonizing over the ‘best’ choice in a sea of options and never decide on a path.

Three actions will help you make more informed decisions with less agonizing. The first step is to reduce the number of choices. Studies show that humans can only process four options at one time, so reduce the number of options being considered to four or fewer.

The second step is to use ‘Like vs. Need’ to determine the best choice among available options. Like vs. Need works like this:

- Determine what you ‘need’ to get from a solution (e.g., costs less than $500, has a 60-second cycle time, or can be completed within 3 weeks).

- Determine what you would ‘like’ the solution to include, but you don’t necessarily need (e.g., is close to the office or comes in blue).

Third, set up a matrix with all the options listed down the side and the ‘Like’ and ‘Need’ criteria across the top. Now rate each solution against all criteria.

- Dismiss any option that fails to meet all your ‘needs.'

- Select the option that meets all your needs and has the most ‘likes.'

Like vs. Need is a simple tool to help reduce ‘analysis paralysis’ and make data-driven decisions.

P.S., If none of the options meet all your needs, then you have selected the wrong options or your requirements conflict. Either way, reconsider your choices and criteria.

John Gross is an EOS Implementer who helps businesses achieve Vision, Traction, and Healthy. You can contact John at John@ DrivingChangeInc.com or call 636.667.0579.