This guide for managers of programs for people with developmental disabilities outlines key principles and issues in the decision-making process, and offers tips for building coalitions and negotiating the interests of consumers, families, board members, employees, and community leaders. Ten to 25 guidelines are offered for each of six decision-making areas: (1) making executive decisions and developing a vision (e.g., develop a written plan, accept responsibility, and develop professional relationships); (2) making financial decisions and managing resources (e.g., consider "what if" questions as part of the budget process and find funding from a variety of sources); (3) making decisions that affect consumers and setting priorities (remember that the individuals you serve are top priority, review decisions about risk regularly, and start a consumer advisory group); (4) making decisions that affect families and focusing on common interests (develop personal relationships with families, learn to handle criticism from families, and include families on the board of directors); (5) making decisions that affect your staff and unite the organization (involve staff in key decisions, encourage professional development, and serve as a model to your staff); and (6) making educated decisions and developing a system of measures (gather firsthand information before responding to concerns and develop a prevention-focused system of inspection). (DB)