do what chart

3 min read 23-12-2024

The "Do What" chart, also known as a decision matrix or prioritization chart, is a powerful tool for making informed decisions, especially when faced with multiple options. It helps you visualize your choices, weigh their pros and cons, and ultimately choose the best course of action. This guide will walk you through creating and using a Do What chart to improve your decision-making process.

Understanding the Structure of a Do What Chart

A Do What chart typically uses a simple table format. The columns represent different criteria or factors you'll consider when evaluating your options. The rows list each potential action or choice. You then score each option against each criterion, allowing for a clear comparison.

Key Components:

Options/Actions: This is the list of things you could do. Be thorough; don't leave out any viable possibilities.
Criteria/Factors: These are the aspects that matter most in your decision. Think about factors like cost, time investment, potential risks, benefits, and alignment with your goals.
Scoring System: A simple numerical scale (e.g., 1-5, where 5 is the best) is usually sufficient. You can also use a qualitative system like "High," "Medium," and "Low."
Total Score: This column sums up the scores for each option, helping you easily compare them.

How to Create a Do What Chart: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Define the Problem or Decision: Clearly state the decision you need to make. What challenge are you trying to solve? This focus will guide your entire process.

2. Brainstorm Potential Actions: List all possible actions you could take to address the problem. Don't censor yourself at this stage; get everything down.

3. Identify Key Criteria: What factors are most important in evaluating each option? These should be relevant to your goals and the context of the decision. Examples might include:

Cost: How much will each option cost (time, money, resources)?
Feasibility: How realistic is it to implement each option?
Impact: How much of a positive impact will each option have?
Risk: What are the potential downsides or risks of each option?
Urgency: How quickly does this need to be addressed?

4. Create Your Chart: Organize your information into a table with your options as rows and your criteria as columns.

5. Score Each Option: Evaluate each option against each criterion, assigning scores based on your chosen scale. Be consistent in your scoring system.

6. Calculate Total Scores: Add up the scores for each option. The option with the highest total score is generally the most favorable.

7. Analyze and Choose: Review your chart. The highest-scoring option might not always be the best choice. Consider any qualitative factors not easily captured by the scoring system. Look for trade-offs and potential downsides.

Example: Choosing a Marketing Strategy

Let's say you're deciding between three marketing strategies: social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. Your criteria might be cost, time investment, and potential reach.

Strategy	Cost	Time Investment	Potential Reach	Total Score
Social Media	Medium	Medium	High	10
Email Marketing	Low	Low	Medium	8
Content Marketing	High	High	Very High	11

In this example, content marketing has the highest total score, suggesting it's the most favorable option. However, you'd still need to consider the higher cost and time investment.

Beyond the Numbers: Qualitative Considerations

While numerical scores provide a useful framework, don't solely rely on them. Consider these qualitative factors:

Intuition and Experience: Your gut feeling can be a valuable asset.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Account for potential unknowns and unexpected challenges.
Long-Term Implications: Think about the long-term consequences of each option.

Do What Chart Templates and Tools

Numerous online templates and tools can help you create and manage your Do What charts. Search for "decision matrix template" or "prioritization matrix" to find options that suit your needs. Spreadsheet software like Excel or Google Sheets also makes creating these charts easy.

Conclusion: Empowering Decision-Making

The Do What chart is a versatile tool that can significantly improve your decision-making process. By systematically evaluating options against relevant criteria, you can make more informed, confident choices, leading to better outcomes in both your personal and professional life. Remember that the process itself is as valuable as the final decision. The act of creating a Do What chart forces you to consider all aspects of the situation, leading to more thoughtful and effective decision making.