The four-way test in decision-making

With apologies to the Rotarians, we have tried to formulate our own template for decision-making in business, in careers and in day-to-day life and livelihood. The first test is technical feasibility, which means whether or not a proposed solution is possible technically or procedurally. The second test is financial soundness, that is whether or not it is affordable and competitive, and whether the proposed alternative solution can pass the cost-benefit analysis. The third test is the question of legality and alignment with the rules and the law of the land. Fourth and ultimate test is whether or not we can face our Creator if we adopt the option being proposed.

In choosing which career option to take, in deciding what solution to adopt in addressing an issue or a problem, and in all our choices from among the multiple alternatives that circumstances present every day, we should start with technical feasibility. This is because if a proposed option is not technically feasible, if it is beyond our means to achieve it, then we should drop it and stop thinking about it at all. We should not waste our time and effort trying to do the impossible. The second test is also important because even if a solution is achievable technically, if we cannot afford it, then it is useless to even consider it.

The third one is legal defensibility. Can we defend this in court? Do we violate any specific law by adopting such a solution? Is there any right that is transgressed upon? Is there any obligation that is prejudiced? Therefore, after determining that a proposed solution is technically feasible, and after being convinced that the solution is within our budget, then we should ask the lawyer to evaluate its legal implications. If it is about hiring and firing people, we should ask the labor law expert. If it is about taxation, then we seek the counsel of a tax expert. If it is a crime, a criminal lawyer, and if it involves litigations, we should summon a trial lawyer and a litigator.

The last one is always the most difficult. It is about the test of integrity, ethics, morality and propriety. Even if an option is technically feasible, and regardless of its financial affordability and legal soundness, if we cannot face the Creator with it, then we should look for other alternatives. An excellent decision-maker is multi-dimensional. He considers the four tests of effective decision-making. Lacking in one of the four dimensions, any option should be rejected. Excellent decisions lead to excellent actions, and, expectedly, excellent results.