This is a vital book for everyone whose life revolves around successful decision making. Many people make decisions without properly considering the context, options, and implications of their actions. Or worse still they simply manage the consequences of avoiding taking decisions. The difference between winning and losing in business, and often in life, hangs on getting it right. This book proves that decision making does not have to be a long drawn out process, as long as it is approached with a mixture of rational and lateral thinking. Some decisions are literally a matter of life or death such as in an accident and emergency department, a fire or a battle. Surgeons, the police and flight crew make numerous important decisions every day. These decisions are the result of training and experience. Business people and companies that don't make decisions - or make bad ones - will die. Chrysler, Woolworths, Enron, Worldcom,Arthur Andersen, and Lehman Brothers all provide object lessons in the perils of flawed decision-making. It has also been painful to read about the rise and fall of former "crown jewel" British companies such as Rover, Marconi, Cable and Wireless, and Cadbury Schweppes, where managements prided themselves on strong decision making, but decided to focus on a future which never came and to abandon a present which was real and profitable. Governments too tend to make policy on the hoof, announce their decisions, and then live to rue the consequences. Decision making isn't easy, but there are rules that work - and this book emphasises the importance of both creative problem solving and managing decisions throughout.