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Using a Decision Matrix

writing tools interface

I’m nearing completion on the draft of my 3rd novel (working title, “Interface”). As with the other two novels in the Systemic universe, decision matrices play into the plot of the new one. Additionally, my kid is starting to decide on colleges and I wanted to give her a tool to help structure her thinking. And so I present to you, the decision matrix.

A decision matrix is like a pro-con list that embraces nuance and complexity. It accepts the fact that hard decisions are hard because they are multi-faceted; we care about many things, but not all equally. They force you to be honest with yourself about what is important to you, and so provide a wonderful opportunity for self-exploration.

For this exercise, I will be analyzing the classic song “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by the Clash. But instead of trying to foist the decision on our partner, as Mr. Strummer does by insisting that they “have got to let him know” what to do, we’ll be using the decision matrix to make our own decision, and hopefully we’ll be more definitive for it.

A decision matrix has the following components:

  • Options, which are arrayed across the top: “Stay”, “Go”, and “Bake a Pie” in this case.
  • Considerations. These are listed on the left side of the matrix. These are things that matter to you. These should be stated positively.
  • Weight, which indicates on a scale of 1-5 how important each consideration is.
  • Base score, how much a given option satisfies one of your considerations.
  • Weighted score, the base score × the weight.
  • Total, what is the total score each option presents. The higher the better.

After running through all the considerations from the song — commitment, self-worth, predictability, trouble avoidance, finality, sense of self, fashion, and hunger — the results came in:

  • Pie: 70 ← WINNER!!!
  • Staying: 58
  • Going: 50

So Joe Strummer would best be served by simply stuffing a pie in his pie-hole and stop obsessing over his girlfriend.

If the outcome doesn’t feel right, the chances are either that there is a hidden consideration, the weights are wrong, or you’re overly/underly optimistic about how one of the options will play out.

I hope this was useful. Let me know if you have any questions.

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