All of us at some or the other point of time is supposed to make decisions. On an everyday basis we are supposed to make decisions related to one or the other aspect. From the small decision related to which dress to wear today to a complex decision which company to choose everything involves decision making.

Decision making is an essential leadership skill. If you can learn how to make timely, well-considered decisions, then you can lead your team to well-deserved success. If, however, you make poor decisions, your time as a leader will be brutally short.

Decision making can be hard. Almost any decision involves some conflicts or dissatisfaction. The difficult part is to pick one solution where the positive outcome can outweigh possible losses. Avoiding decisions often seems easier. Yet, making your own decisions and accepting the consequences are the only way to stay in control of your time, your success, and your life. Decision making skills are also a key component of time management skills.

There are seven steps that you can follow to make decisions.

1) Identify a problem or opportunity

The first step is to identify the problem   or see opportunities that may be worthwhile. Before solving the problem you need to 

make sure that whether the problems are really worth solving or whether they are useless.

2) Gather information

When you have decided that the problem is worth solving and worth considering collect all the relevant information related to the problem.

3)  Analyse the situation

Analyse the problem and find out how much serious the problem is. What are the other interpretations of data that can be analysed through the problems?

4) Develop options

Develop different options for your problems. Find out what are the realistic and feasible options that can be considered for the problem.

5) Evaluate alternatives

Evaluate the feasibility, desirability and acceptability of the alternatives. Find out which alternative will be best suitable for the solution.

6) Select a preferred alternative

Find out what are the consequences of taking some decision and also see to it that these decisions do not lead to some other problems rather than solving the problem.

7) Act on the decision

Once you have selected the alternative implement it and take action. See to it that taking that decision actually solves the problem.

It is important that whether for business or personal use that you follow the basics of email etiquette. Follow these tips and improve your communication skills.

• Make sure your e-mail includes a courteous greeting and closing. Address your contact with the appropriate level of formality and make sure you spelled their name correctly.

• Spell -check your e-mails before clicking the send button. Read it aloud and proof read whatever you are sending.

• Be sure you are including all relevant details or information necessary to understand your request or point of view. Be specific in what you are writing.

• Type in complete sentences. To type random phrases or cryptic thoughts does not lend to clear communication.

• Never assume the intent of an email. If you are not sure -- ask so as to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

• Just because someone doesn't ask for a response doesn't mean you ignore them. Always acknowledge emails from those you know in a timely manner.

• Keep emails brief and to the point.

• Always end your emails with "Thank you," "Sincerely," "Take it easy," "Best regards" - something!

• Do not type in all caps. That's yelling or reflects shouting emphasis.

• Do not use patterned backgrounds. Makes your email harder to read.

• Refrain from using multiple font colors in one email. It makes your email harder to view and can add to your intent being misinterpreted.

• Only use Cc: when it is important for those you Cc: to know about the contents of the email. Overuse can cause your emails to be ignored.

• Always include a brief Subject. No subject can get your email flagged as spam.

• Think about your motives when adding addresses to CC, BCc. Use your discretion.

• Make sure when using BCC: that your intentions are proper. To send BCC: copies to others as a way of talking behind someone’s back are inconsiderate.

• If someone asks you to refrain from forwarding emails they have that right and you shouldn't feel bad or take it personally.

• When forwarding email, if you cannot take the time to type a personal comment to the person you are forwarding to-then don't bother.

• If you must forward to more than one person, put your email address in the TO: field and all the others you are sending to in the BCc field to protect their email address from being published to those they do not know. This is a serious privacy issue!

• Choose your email address wisely. It will determine, in part, how you are perceived.

• Try not to make assumptions when it comes to email. Always ask for clarification before you react.

• Posting or forwarding of private email is copyright infringement -- not to mention downright rude. You need permission from the author first!

• When there is a misunderstanding by email, please convey the same through mails it makes the communication clear.

• Know that how you type, and the efforts you make or don't make will indicate what is important to you and if you are an educated courteous person.

• If you forward an email that turns out to be a hoax, have the maturity to send an apology follow up email to those you sent the misinformation to.

• When filling out a contact form on a Web site, do so carefully and with clarity so your request is taken seriously.

• If you cannot respond to an email promptly, at the very least email back confirming your receipt and when the sender can expect your response.

• When replying to emails always respond promptly and edit out unnecessary information from the post you are responding to.

• Never send business attachments outside of business hours and confirm that the format in which you can send can be opened by the other side.

• Feel free to modify the Subject: field to more accurately reflect a conversation's direction.

• While putting reminder e-mails see to it that you have given adequate time for him to reply and only then send a reminder. Otherwise the receiver would feel pressurized.

• When it comes to your email communications, know who you can trust; trust only those you know.

• Take the time to review each email before clicking ‘Send’ to ensure your message is clear and you are relaying the tone that you desire.