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| Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash |
Now we move to the step most people think they’re doing from the beginning:
Comparison.
This is where you place viable solutions side-by-side and determine which one is optimum—not just acceptable.
The distinction matters.
Analysis vs. Comparison
Analysis answers:
“Does this solution meet the standard?”
Comparison answers:
“Which solution best solves the problem?”
If you compare before analyzing, you risk bias.
If you analyze without comparing, you risk indecision.
Both are necessary—but in the right order.
What Comparison Actually Means
During comparison, leaders:
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Evaluate each solution against the others
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Use previously defined evaluation criteria
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Identify relative strengths
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Identify relative weaknesses
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Determine the best overall fit
The objective is not perfection.
The objective is optimization.
Use a Decision Matrix
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
The most common comparison tool is a decision matrix.
A decision matrix:
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Lists evaluation criteria
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Assigns weights (if appropriate)
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Scores each solution
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Produces a structured comparison
It removes personality from the process.
Simple Civilian Example
Problem: Improve student engagement.
Evaluation Criteria:
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Cost
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Time to implement
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Impact on engagement
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Sustainability
Solutions:
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Adjust schedule
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Implement project-based learning
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Increase technology integration
Each solution is scored against each criterion.
If impact is weighted more heavily than cost, that weight influences the final result.
Suddenly, the decision becomes transparent.
Coaching Example
Problem: Defensive performance decline.
Criteria:
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Player fit
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Implementation speed
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Risk exposure
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Long-term growth
You score:
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Scheme change
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Personnel rotation
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Conditioning emphasis
The matrix reveals which option best balances effectiveness and sustainability.
Business Example
Problem: Market share decline.
Criteria:
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Revenue growth potential
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Cost
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Risk
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Brand alignment
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Speed to market
Options:
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New product launch
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Pricing strategy change
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Market repositioning
The decision matrix forces clarity.
Why This Step Builds Credibility
Comparison:
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Shows transparency
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Reduces favoritism
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Protects leaders from accusations of bias
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Strengthens stakeholder trust
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Documents the decision process
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| Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash |
Not emotion. Not preference. Not pressure.
Structure.
What “Optimum” Really Means
The optimum solution:
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Meets screening criteria
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Achieves benchmarks
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Scores highest against weighted evaluation criteria
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Aligns with mission and values
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Balances short-term and long-term impact
It may not be perfect.
But it is the best fit given available information and constraints.
Avoid These Pitfalls
During comparison:
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Do not introduce new criteria
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Do not shift weights to favor a preferred option
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Do not ignore the matrix because you “have a feeling”
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Do not rush because of external pressure
Discipline builds trust.
Why Leaders Struggle Here
Because comparison requires commitment.
Once you determine the optimum solution, you must be prepared to:
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Recommend it
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Defend it
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Implement it
Comparison forces ownership.
Final Thought
Good leaders generate options.
Great leaders compare them objectively.
Put the solutions side-by-side.
Use your criteria.
Apply your weights.
Make the choice that best achieves the mission.
Leadership moves forward.
Teach it. Coach it. Lead.
JVD
Sources & Credits
Concepts in this article are derived from FM 6-0, Commander and Staff Organization and Operations, Chapter 4, regarding comparing possible solutions and the use of decision matrices.
This post was drafted with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT) and edited by Mr. VanDusen.
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