In a rapidly evolving business landscape, making the right decisions at critical junctures can be the difference between success and failure. This course explores the art and science of strategic decision-making, with a focus on Go/No-Go choices—decisions that determine whether to proceed with or abandon a particular course of action. Participants will learn a structured approach to evaluating opportunities, managing risks, and applying analytical frameworks that guide decision-making in high-pressure situations.

Through a combination of case studies, exercises, and real-world examples, students will gain hands-on experience in assessing the viability of any endeavor. Key topics include risk assessment, financial viability, stakeholder alignment, and the role of intuition and judgment in strategic choices. The course will also address the psychological aspects of decision-making, including overcoming biases and ensuring that decisions are aligned with long-term organizational goals.

By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the tools and strategies to make well-informed, data-driven Go/No-Go decisions that support organizational success, minimize risk, and maximize value. This course is essential for leaders, managers, and decision-makers who want to navigate uncertainty and lead with confidence in critical moments.

Learning Objectives:  At the completion of this program, participants will be able to:

Evaluate Opportunities Using Structured Frameworks
Learn how to assess the viability of business opportunities through structured Go/No-Go decision-making frameworks that incorporate key factors such as risk, financial viability, and stakeholder alignment.

Apply Risk Assessment Techniques
Develop the ability to evaluate and manage risks associated with strategic decisions, ensuring that potential downsides are identified, quantified, and mitigated effectively.

Align Decisions with Organizational Goals
Learn how to ensure that Go/No-Go decisions are aligned with long-term strategic objectives and organizational values, ensuring consistency with the broader mission.

Incorporate Stakeholder Perspectives
Develop an understanding of how stakeholder interests influence strategic decisions and learn how to align decisions with stakeholder expectations to ensure buy-in and minimize conflict.

Integrate Intuition and Judgment into Decision-Making
Explore the role of intuition and experiential judgment in decision-making, and learn how to balance data-driven analysis with instinctive insights in high-pressure environments.

Overcome Cognitive Biases in Decision-Making
Understand common cognitive biases that can cloud judgment, and develop strategies to recognize and overcome them to make more objective, rational decisions.

Navigate Uncertainty and Make Confident Decisions
Build the confidence to make critical decisions in uncertain and high-stakes situations, using data, analysis, and strategic thinking to navigate complex challenges.

Learning methodologies may include: 

• Facilitator-led discussion
• Breakout group team discussion
• Individual and small group activities
• Short case studies
• Polls
• Participant workbook
• Take-away tools