In the middle of a decision making, do we often come up with a quick resolve or we ponder more and check if we really decided on the right thing? I often find myself in this dilemma not because I am indecisive, it's more of the fear of having to make the wrong decision and I end up getting blamed.
There are moments where my decision ability is tested especially at work. I have to think fast in terms of meeting deadlines, how I'll solve a problem, actioning things I think should be actioned accordingly and prioritizing. These and coupled with uncalled behaviour at work by some people which makes it difficult to come up with a resolution.
I have read a lot of books about decision making and have undergone training for that. No amount of decision-making know-how can be enough when you are already in that moment to decide. Will I or will I not? This or that? Yes or no? Black or white? With or without?
Below are tips to decide effectively:
1. Don't decide at the peak of your emotion. When we are angry or upset or too overwhelmed with joy, we tend to miss the goal and the objective of the matter we need to decide on. We temporarily disconnect from reality focusing on what we are feeling at the moment; thus making poor decision. Our decision is now based not on the facts at hand but on what we have felt. There is a reason why our head is over our heart. Go figure that out...
2. If you have enough time to deliberate on a matter, jot down all the pros and cons, the possible outcomes and any contingencies, all the information pertaining the matter to be decided upon to give you a head start.
3. One article I have come across in the net "Decision Making Confidence Tips"
states that we should treat ourselves as the most important on deciding things. According to the article, we should be better off as a result of the decision we make. The decision should allow us to keep our individuality and not lose ourselves in the process.
4. Take enough time to consider options when you are deciding on a matter that will not compromise your family. Try to strike a work-life balance by ensuring that the decision you will make will also be both short and long-term beneficial to your family.
5. Lastly, sometimes it pays to follow your gut-instinct. I have done this many times and somehow it has been my saving grace.
Ria,
ReplyDeleteWould you believe, I also drafted an entry entitled "Making Wise Decision". I was about to post it when two friends dropped by, kaya di natuloy. The message is the same. I may have to blog it later.
You’ve explicitly defined your personal perspectives about decision making. Those tips are appropriate and effective, and I agree. For me, I categorized decision making into two. First, are those which need immediate resolution, and second, those which give me ample time to think it over.
ReplyDeleteIf it needs immediate action, I just decided on what my mind can grasp in reference from the past, from my knowledge and wisdom that my brain can process in just maybe a couple of minutes. I will implement my immediate response as the situation requires. Sure this is risky, yet, I always keep in mind that I am the one responsible. In the execution of such decision, I should always be there, physically and not virtual, so that in any case of mishandling, I could provide the options and alternative course of action, to keep damages and injuries minimal. In that situation, because I am the one responsible, I shall be ready and prepared to take all the burden of blames and failures, just in case it doesn’t work. I don’t care if it will cost my own job, or to be fired. That’s the part of decision making.
On the second category, it’s pretty sure, I shall consult first my subordinates; ask their consensus before presenting it with my superior on a comprehensive way on the best of my abilities. Maybe, just maybe, I will consult my birth stars and moons, or the cards and the like. This is what I enjoyed, at the very least of decision making …
Wish you luck, don’t worry and keep on deciding …