It is unlikely a manager will ever have so called ‘perfect’ information. So what usually happens in most practical situations is a manager will try to make the best decisions and judgements based on the information they have available to them- usually referred to as ‘imperfect information.’ The best thing a manager can do to increase the usefulness of this imperfect information is to make a decision based on the information they have available to them at that time and make a judgement based on their experience in the field. For example, they should think about what they did the last time a similar situation arose.
Being a manager is quite often about being able to make decisions there and then without taking ages to deliberate over what action should be taken. For instance, a manager in a customer-facing environment needs to make a decision quickly as taking any longer will mean they will have to face the wrath of the angry customer. On the other hand, there may be occasions when the imperfect information does not give enough information for a manager to make a decision and it may be better to wait until most information does come through before a final decision can be made.
In these situations, a manager should weigh up the pros and cons of making a decision. Perhaps they may even ask their colleagues for some feedback or help if they are unsure of how to proceed. Another key factor in dealing with these situations is using a huge level of common sense and practicality using their own judgement.
There is a reason the manager was hired to carry out their job and they should have the knowledge and expertise to make a decision even when sufficient information is not readily available to them.
Being a manager is quite often about being able to make decisions there and then without taking ages to deliberate over what action should be taken. For instance, a manager in a customer-facing environment needs to make a decision quickly as taking any longer will mean they will have to face the wrath of the angry customer. On the other hand, there may be occasions when the imperfect information does not give enough information for a manager to make a decision and it may be better to wait until most information does come through before a final decision can be made.
In these situations, a manager should weigh up the pros and cons of making a decision. Perhaps they may even ask their colleagues for some feedback or help if they are unsure of how to proceed. Another key factor in dealing with these situations is using a huge level of common sense and practicality using their own judgement.
There is a reason the manager was hired to carry out their job and they should have the knowledge and expertise to make a decision even when sufficient information is not readily available to them.