Developing the Art of Decision-making:

Do you know how to be more effective in your decision-making?

Yes? No? Er...don't know? 

As you grow older, more important and possibly, anxiety-making decisions may arise. Do you resign from your present job for what may appear to be better prospects in another company or do you stay and ride with the gloomy economy? Buy a H.D.B. flat (public housing) or continue to stay with your in-laws? Have a baby now, even though you may not be ready, or wait until you do, but risk miscarriage, labour complications or birth defects?
 

Whether you vacillate between job offers, contemplate relationship issues or decide what to have for lunch each day, most of us do a lot of worrying before separating the issues, examining the facts, and reaching a decision. Instead of worrying, we can choose to channel our anxieties into something more useful and helpful to the difficult situation we are confronted with. Making a decision is not something you do from habit; rather, it requires conscious thought. It is an acquired skill that almost anyone can learn to do effectively. Here are some basic tips to set you off in improving your decision-making skills.
 

1. Identifying and clarifying the problem. Recognise that a problem exists. Some problems are obvious and significant, such as failure of the supplier to deliver what was contracted. Other problems may be continuing annoyances, such as failure of your loved ones to clean up after their meals. Pinpointing the problem area will help you narrow your choice of possible solutions.

2. Gather information. It helps to be as specific as you possibly can, in looking for the causes of your problem. This may mean scrutinising files, calling suppliers, or brainstorming with colleagues, supervisors or your family members.

3. Evaluate the evidence. Is the evidence biased or representative of various points of view? Are they facts or personal opinions? What are your values? Knowing your values may help you to determine what is important to you and how you resolve the situation at hand.

4. Consider alternatives and implications. Draw conclusions from the gathered evidence and pose solutions. Then, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative. Remember to opt for choices that are practical and realistic, rather than what seem to be apparent and or habitual.

5. Choose and implement the best alternative. Select an alternative and put it into action. Accept the responsibility and consequences for making it. You need to be willing to live with it, or else take the lead in making another decision for changing directions. Occasionally, you might have to make a decision to postpone action in order to seek more information. However, do not put off making any decision just because you may not have a perfect answer. Follow through on your decision by monitoring the results of implementing your plan. By continuing to observe and adjust the solution, you will help to ensure its efficacy over time.
    

Making a decision involves making a choice and selecting from among alternatives. All decisions carry with them some dissatisfactions and conflicts. The good needs to be accepted along with the not-so-good. Successful decision-making means making a choice that has enough of the important satisfactions in it to outweigh the less important dissatisfactions.