This guide​ gives Australian critical infrastructure owners and operators a clear and structured way to make decisions during a crisis. Enhancing decision making capabilities in crisis management will contribute to strengthening organisational resilience.

The guide outlines seven key elements that support better decision making in high pressure situations. It also offers several cognitive aides that can be used in the strategic decision making process in crisis management. 

The elements are based on a combination of critical thinking, creative thinking and futures thinking. Together, they help organisations stay resilient during a crisis and plan stronger responses for the future. Each element is explained in simple terms, with practical examples to show how organisations can use them.

Elements

1. Create a psychologically safe decision making environment
2. Identify problems
3. Identify solutions
4. Envisage possible futures
5. Manage cognitive biases
6. Record decisions
7. Manage stakeholders.