Think and Think Again: Decision Making in a Chaotic World

What kind of decision maker are you? Decisive? Tentative? Would a picture of a waffle represent your style best?

Think of all the decisions you make in a typical day. Whether at home or at work, effective decision-making often means weighing options and avoiding knee jerk reactions and snap judgments.

Slow Down, But Not Too Slow

Obviously major decisions require more consideration than minor ones, but many people are so flummoxed by decision making that they give equal weight to deciding which movie or restaurant to go to as they would to deciding whether to quit their job or propose marriage. Others believe they must stick to a decision once they make it, no matter how the result plays out.

Neither method will take you far.

Experts agree, thoughtful and effective decision-making means no waffling. Make a decision and stick to it, unless there is a good reason not to.

Here are some tips toward being a better decision maker:

> Avoid the snap decision. It won’t make you seem decisive if you have to rescind it later.

> Is the problem a problem? Does it even need to be solved?

> Gather information. Who is affected by this decision? What are the factors involved?

> Listen carefully and take notes. Write down all possible solutions and options and how each will effect you. Things become clearer when they are written out.

> What is the criteria you’ll be using to evaluate your options? How will you know if you’ve made a good decision?

> What are your options? Try brainstorming with others and list all possible choices and solutions.

> What are the pros and cons of each option to determine the best alternative.

> Visualize outcomes. Follow your decision out to its logical conclusion.

Finally, take action. Once you’ve made your decision, don’t wait. Follow through immediately.

Take Responsibility
Once you have made your decision – own it. Don’t seek to blame others if things don’t go according to plan. Remember, you are free to change your mind or change direction. Sticking to a bad decision is not a sign of strength. It is a sign of stubbornness.

Assessment
Was your decision ultimately effective? Did it have the desired result? Could anything have been handled differently? What did you learn from the process that you could apply the next time?

When A Quick Decision is Required
Of course, in the real world, we don’t always have time for the deliberative approach. In those situations, it is important to rely on expertise, instinct, and intuition. Keep your eye on the big picture and let your experience be your guide.