Educators, in the United States and throughout the world, are looking for new structures to embue teachers with decision-making authority and responsibility. This study maintains that before changing existing structures, it is necessary to examine and improve the current decision making process. The report outlines 12 guidelines for successful decision making that not only lead to decisions that stay made, but contribute as well to the organizational health of the school, department, or district. The 12 guidelines, which reflect recent thinking in organizational theory on group processes, are divided among three stages (planning, deciding, and implementing). The study considers these guidelines to constitute a framework for decision making to be used prospectively and retrospectively. A hypothetical scenario shows what dysfunctional decision making looks like and leads to, and proposes alternatives for effective decision making. The report suggests that adherence to the 12 guidelines leads to improved organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and morale. (3 references) (KM)