A decision is the course of action you intend to take when the facts do not automatically declare themselves, or when the action is not mandatory. It is a mental choice between alternatives, when the best course is not obvious.

We make thousands of decisions a day. Some are involuntary; most are routine. The ones ve need to concern ourselves with are important decisions.

Making decisions is a part of the work process. It is as important that the manager delegate decision-making to his staff as it is to delegate the work itself. Otherwise he assumes an overwhelming burden of fact gathering, decision-making, and work activities.

Through training, he shows his subordinates how to gather facts and make decisions. When they are trained, he is free to devote his efforts to the more important levels of decision-making.