Whether we are making decisions in our personal life or professional life, there is a process that takes place, considering the advantages and disadvantages of the decision.
Decision making can be regarded as the mental processes resulting in the selection of a course of action among several alternative scenarios. [1] When you are part of a workforce that a number of employees depend on the decision that you make, you must always take into consideration the decision is the right one and no mistakes can be made.
People in general take several approaches to make a decision. Well, how many steps or approaches does one take make a decision? There is no specific answer to the question and every situation will vary depending on the complexity of the issue and what we hope the final outcome will be. Companies these days are so financially constrained the decision is based on costs-How much is it going to cost me to achieve that goal? This is just one way one may make a decision but depending on the individual, there are several approaches that could be taken:
- How can I please others?
- Use intuition.
- Let someone else make the decision for you.
- Should I choose the easy way, or more difficult way?
- Do some research and consider the advantages and disadvantages.
- Consult with others that have a true opinion.
The first 4 approaches are ones that you may be able to afford and make wrong decision. A successful company will take approaches # 5 and #6 as they are the more intelligent way of making a decision. According to Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler, consult is when you ask for input: “Consulting is a process whereby decision makers invite others to influence them before they make their choice. You can consult with experts, a representative population, or even everyone who wants to offer an opinion. Consulting can be an efficient way of gaining ideas and support without bogging down the decision making process. Wise leaders, parents, and even couples frequently make decisions in this way. They gather ideas, evaluate options, make a choice, and then inform the broader population.” [2]
Other approaches that are intelligent and have proven to be successful are: To vote or until everyone agrees to the decision. When you the method is one of vote, ensure that you have the best decision makers or matter experts in the room so options are given to the group to make a decision. Making everyone agree to a decision is one that is difficult, depending on whom your audience is. The advantage though is that you have everyone in agreement and you may unify a group.
I once participated in a Tony Robbins session and one thing that he said that is truly motivational was: “A real decision is measured by the fact that you’ve taken new action. If there’s no action, you haven’t truly decided.”[2]
Resources
No comments:
Post a Comment