Although not as succinct as the single topics above, I have found the methods useful in the book “Smart Choices : A Practical Guide to Making Better Decisions” by Hammond, Keeney, and Raiffa (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0767908864/qid=1128426901/sr=8-3/ref=pdbbs3/102-9177548-7836968?v=glance&s=books&n=507846). They have a very systematic approach to framing and helping make decisions properly (you can apply this in GTD by having every Project answer the key points in the method). They summarize their eight-step the method with the acronym PrOACT:

Problem: clarify and decide on what’s the scope and scale of the real problem at issue Objectives: what are the objectives you want to attain with the decision Alternative: create a meaninful set of alternatives Consequences: what are the consequences of the each of the alternative decisions Tradeoffs: what tradeoffs between decision alternatives + three other related issues Uncertainty: figure out how uncertain outcomes, alternatives, and consequences are Risk Tolerance: your decisions will be different depending on whether you are risk-averse or risk-seeking; think investing in bonds vs. stocks vs. hedge funds. Linked Decisions: how does taking a particular decision affect other decisions one might have to make (outside the scope of this decision).

There is an extensive review on the Amazon page that gives more detail and discussion.

People do some or all of these things intuitively, but few people do them systematically, explicitly, and regularly.

It’s a very good framework for decision-making. The book is really cleanly, clearly written. They are either great writers or had great editors. There is no fluff there.

It’s by some of the same authors of “Getting To Yes”, a great introduction to negotiation. Also very clearly, sparely written. You will never forget the acronym BATNA afterwards…