Decision Making for Leaders: Structuring Decisions

Cohort-based Course

Implement systematic decision-making processes that are aligned with organizational objectives, and resilient to bias and error

Previously at

Penn
Columbia University
Villanova University
Thomas Jefferson University
Society of Decision Professionals

Course overview

Structuring Decisions

Leaders often face complex, high-stakes decisions that demand a structured approach.


This course will provide leaders with the skills and frameworks to structure decisions more effectively. It will move beyond simple pros-and-cons lists to use tools like decision trees, the Weight and Rate method, scenario analyses, and linear models. Leaders will learn to align decisions with long-term goals through structured, data-driven processes. Additionally, they will understand how to manage risk, analyze sensitivity, and make better group decisions in uncertain environments.



Syllabus Preview:


Session 1: Introduction to Structured Decision-Making

Module 1: Welcome and Introductions

Module 2: The Weight and Rate Method

Module 3: Decision Trees

Module 4: Pre-mortems and Post-mortems


Session 2: Advanced Tools for Structuring Decisions

Module 5: Linear Models for Decision-Making

Module 6: Scenario Planning

Module 7: Risk and Sensitivity Analysis


Session 3: Applying Structured Decision-Making to Leadership Challenges

Module 8: Data and Analytics in Decision-Making

Module 9: Overcoming Biases in Structured Decision-Making

Module 10: Decision Journaling and Reflection

Module 11: Making Decisions in Teams

Module 12: Decision-Making Under Uncertainty


Additional Resources:

- Reading List

- Real World Case Studies

- Post-Course Reflection Quiz




At the Decision Leadership Institute, our courses are carefully designed to address the unique challenges that leaders face today, combining scientific rigor with real-world application. Our curriculum is based on three key pillars:


1. The Individual as a Leader:

Strengthening personal judgment, self-awareness, and decision-making abilities to ensure higher decision quality.


2. The Organizational and Broader Context:

Equipping leaders to foster high-quality decision-making processes within teams and across the organization.


3. Decision Sciences:

Integrating evidence-based frameworks, probabilistic thinking, and cognitive bias mitigation to drive better decision outcomes.

Who is this course for?

01

Executive Leaders:

Those responsible for high-stakes decisions who are looking to enhance organizational effectiveness and culture.

02

Mid-Level Managers:

Leaders aiming to reduce biases and increase rationality in team decision-making while improving outcomes for all.

03

Emerging Leaders:

Those aiming to build a strong foundation and gain high-quality decision-making skills early in their careers.


What you’ll get out of this course

Learn and apply structured decision-making tools,

including decision trees, the Weight and Rate method, and linear models.

Gain skills to build decision processes,

incorporating risk analysis and sensitivity testing.

Learn to apply decision frameworks for individual and group decisions,

particularly in complex or uncertain situations.

Understand how to document and improve decision-making

through reflection, feedback, and continuous learning.

Foster a structured decision-making culture

within your teams and organizations.

This course includes

Interactive live sessions

Lifetime access to course materials

In-depth lessons

Direct access to instructor

Projects to apply learnings

Guided feedback & reflection

Private community of peers

Course certificate upon completion

Maven Satisfaction Guarantee

This course is backed by Maven’s guarantee. You can receive a full refund within 14 days after the course ends, provided you meet the completion criteria in our refund policy.

Course syllabus

Meet your instructor

Joseph E. Sweeney, Ed.D.

Joseph E. Sweeney, Ed.D.

Strategist, Educator, Leader, Expert in Decision-Making Science

President and Founder

Decision Leadership Institute


With over three decades of experience spanning education, leadership, and innovation, Joseph Sweeney is a recognized leader in decision-making and organizational transformation.


As the founder and President of the Decision Leadership Institute, Joe leverages his extensive background in education, executive leadership, and decision science to equip leaders with the tools to improve judgment and decision quality across their organizations.

Before founding DLI, Joe served as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Decision Education, where he led a national movement to bring decision education into K-12 learning. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a regional initiative to a national force, developing award-winning programs, securing millions in program and research funding, and establishing a robust community of thought leaders, including Nobel Laureates. Joe’s strategic vision and expertise in scaling organizations have made him a trusted advisor in leadership circles.


With advanced degrees in mathematics, economics, and educational leadership from institutions such as Villanova University, Temple University, and the University of Pennsylvania, Joe’s work continues to shape how leaders and organizations approach decision-making in complex, rapidly changing environments.

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Decision Making for Leaders: Structuring Decisions

Course schedule

5 hours

  • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday

    1:00pm - 2:30pm EST

    This course consists of 3 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes.

    Sessions are conducted live and synchronously, allowing for real-time interaction and participation.


    This course is not currently scheduled.


    Join our waitlist and be the first to get notified when enrollment opens!

Your Decision Leadership Journey Starts Here

Your Decision Leadership Journey Starts Here

Dynamic and Interactive

Engage in discussions, case studies, and exercises that help you apply decision-making concepts directly to your unique situation.

Small, Focused Cohorts

We cap our courses at 18 to ensure high-quality discussions, personalized feedback, and a tailored learning experience that addresses your leadership challenges.

Actionable Takeaways

Gain practical tools, frameworks, and strategies that you can implement right away, helping you and your organization make better, more informed decisions immediately.

Cutting-Edge Decision Science

Innovative, research-backed course content, frameworks, and methodologies will ensure that you are positioned to tackle the uncertainty of our modern and complex world.

Continued Learning & Support

Stay connected through our newsletter, coaching sessions, decision-making resources, and community forums for continuous learning and long-term success.

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Decision Making for Leaders: Structuring Decisions