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Decision Making Technique

Decision-Making Square or Descartes' Rule

Descartes' square example
The Descartes' Square is a method proposed by the French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes that aids in making well-informed decisions. This method allows individuals to consider a decision from all angles, uncovering both obvious and hidden aspects and consequences. The Descartes' Square consists of four key questions to ask oneself before making a decision:
  • 1. What will happen if this occurs?
  • 
2. What will happen if this does not occur?
  • 
3. What will not happen if this occurs?
  • 
4. What will not happen if this does not occur?

How the Descartes' Square Works

  • Problem or Decision Identification:
    First, clearly define the problem or decision that needs to be made.
  • Answer the Questions:
    Answer each of the four questions. Try to be as specific as possible, considering both positive and negative consequences.
  • Analyze the Answers:
    Compare the answers you've received, weighing them against each other. This will help you form a more complete understanding of the situation and its possible outcomes.
Descartes' square
Descartes' square example

Problems That Can Be Solved Using the Descartes' Square

  • Personal Decisions: choosing a school, buying property, lifestyle changes, etc.
  • Professional Decisions: changing jobs, taking on a new project, career shifts, etc.
  • Business Decisions: launching a new product, market expansion, changing company strategy, etc.
  • Emotional and Ethical Dilemmas: decisions related to relationships, ethical principles, or internal conflicts.
Using the Descartes' Square helps in seeing the full picture and approaching decision-making in an informed and conscious manner.

Example

Suppose you are considering changing your job. Let's look at this example using the Descartes' Square.
  • 1. What will happen if I change my job?
    • — Opportunity for career growth.
    • — Acquisition of new skills and experiences.
    • — Possible relocation to another city (if necessary).
    • — Stress from adapting to a new environment.
  • 2. What will happen if I do not change my job?
    • — Maintenance of stability and current comfort level.
    • — Loss of potential growth opportunities.
    • — Continued dissatisfaction with the current job (if there is any).
  • 3. What will not happen if I change my job?
    • — Old colleagues and familiar environment will no longer be in the same context.
    • — Loss of current position (both positives and negatives).
  • 4. What will not happen if I do not change my job?
    • — No career advancement.
    • — Missed new opportunities and challenges.
    • — Continuation of the current routine and known environment.
Descartes' square example

The Descartes'

Square

FAQ

It's a decision-making tool that helps evaluate the pros and cons of a decision by considering different perspectives.

It aids in making well-rounded decisions by encouraging thorough analysis of potential outcomes.

It can significantly improve decision-making clarity and confidence by examining both positive and negative aspects comprehensively.

Use it when facing important decisions that have significant consequences or when you feel uncertain about your choices.