In this volume real-life stories (including life or death scenarios) illustrate the complexities of high-stakes decision making and how the bias toward action is not the best method. The SCRIPTs method provides an easy-to-remember acronym for a set of crucial questions to ask yourself.

A highly readable guide with a method for avoiding mistakes when making decisions that will affect the future of your business The Art of High Stakes Decision Making takes readers to the most important crossroads in business with dozens of real-life scenarios. Engaging "you are there" stories teach how to focus on the core issues involved in high stakes decision making. The authors share powerful tools for cutting through the psychological and emotional barriers to making the best decisions. Each chapter concludes with a set of fundamental principles for successfully navigating each stage of the SCRIPTS method, an acronym that outlines a seven-step process for making tough choices under the gun. J. Keith Murnighan, PhD (Evanston, IL), is the Harold H. Hines, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Risk Management at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. John C. Mowen, PhD (Stillwater, OK), is Regents Professor and Noble Chair of Marketing Strategy at Oklahoma State University's College of Business Administration.

Preface. PART I: INTRODUCTION. Tough Calls in a Speed--Driven World. PART II: THE PARAMETERS OF TOUGH CALLS. Search for Signals of Threats and Opportunities. Find the Causes. Evaluate the Risks. Apply Intuition and Emotion. Take Different Perspectives. Consider the Time Frame. Solve the Problem. PART III: PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER. The Master Decision--Maker. Appendix: Principles of High--Stakes Decision--Making. Notes. Index.