Compensatory decisions are the perfectly rational decisions that we wish we made. Perhaps we sometimes trick ourselves into believing we can actually make them.

They require identifying each attribute which contribute to the success of a decision - both positive and negative.
Each attribute with the identified set is then weighted based on how much it should impact the success of an option.
With all of the variables identified and weighted you can then assess each option and give it a total score. The option with the highest score is then chosen.

In reality nobody figures out every dimension of import in a complex decision. Nor do they objectively rate each one out of the broader context of any given option. Without that no real assessment can be made, and there is no unbiased best choice. Compensatory decision are amazing in theory, but are laborious and subsequently impractical.