According to Adair, what is the first step in effective decision-making?

The first step in effective decision-making, according to Adair, is to define the objective. This step is crucial because it establishes a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve. By clearly outlining the goal, one can ensure that the decision-making process remains focused and aligned with desired outcomes.

When the objective is defined, it sets the stage for subsequent actions such as generating feasible options and collecting relevant information, as the criteria for evaluation will be based on how well those options fulfill the defined objective. Defining the objective aids in narrowing down choices and making informed decisions that lead to successful implementation and evaluation later in the process.