Every good decision starts with good information—but how do you know the information you’re using is actually reliable? That’s where validation comes in. For managers, validating information means checking that what you’re basing your choices on is accurate, current, and relevant. It’s like making sure your compass is pointing north before you start navigating.

Imagine you’re deciding whether to cut costs by reducing team hours. You’ve seen a report showing lower demand for your services. But where did that data come from? Was it based on last month’s figures, or a reliable trend over the past year? If you don’t check, you might end up making a cut based on a temporary dip, not a true decline.

Validation doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs a little time and care. First, consider the source. Is it trustworthy? Information from an official report or a senior manager’s update is likely to be more reliable than a quick comment in a meeting or an outdated spreadsheet.

Next, think about timing. Is the data recent enough to reflect current conditions? For example, using last year’s staff survey to decide this year’s training needs might not give you the full picture. Circumstances change—and so does what your team needs.

You also want to check for consistency. If one report says customer satisfaction is up but another says complaints are increasing, you need to dig deeper. It might be that the data is measuring different things, or that there’s been a sudden change worth investigating.

Let’s say you’re looking at two suppliers. One offers a better price, the other has a stronger reputation. Before deciding, validate what you’ve heard. Are the prices recent quotes? Can you find reviews or feedback to back up the reputation claims? If a colleague recommended one supplier, it’s fine to trust their opinion—but it’s even better to back it up with research.

Involving your team can help too. They often have hands-on knowledge that adds context. For example, a report might show that a process is quick—but the team might tell you it’s unreliable or causes regular errors. Their feedback can help validate the numbers and shape a smarter choice.

Validating information is especially important when making high-impact decisions, like budget changes, staffing, or introducing new systems. Rushing or relying on assumptions can lead to poor outcomes—and sometimes, to mistakes that are hard to undo.

At its heart, validation is about slowing down just enough to make sure your information stands up to scrutiny. It’s not about overthinking—it’s about making confident, well-informed choices.

So next time you’re about to decide something important, ask yourself:

• Where did this information come from?
• Is it recent and relevant?
• Can it be backed up by more than one source?

Doing this helps you lead with clarity, build trust, and steer your team in the right direction.

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302 ML15 1.5 Explain how to validate information used in the decision making process