We are constantly faced with choices/ questions in making simple or important life decisions. Gbese! right? A song by The Jules Band is titled ‘Don’t grow up, it is a trap!” – this is funny and explorative. At childhood, we were rarely bothered with decisions, critical thinking, or consideration of alternatives and resulting consequences; Now, every day is a chess game of choices, hence, the importance of mastery or at least basic understanding of this daily plot. My question to you 👉🏼 Yes, You! 😉 How intentional are you in selecting the best choice or making smarter decisions?
Unclog the bias
Interestingly, the steps discussed here are necessary to help you see both the tangible & intangible aspects of the decision situation. It is necessary to facilitate your ability to translate pertinent facts, feelings, opinions, beliefs, and advice into the best possible choice. Unfortunately, this technique will not make hard decisions less complex, but, it will help you manage the complexity sensibly and orderly; facilitate focus on what’s important and, eliminate or reduce bias.
Why is it important to learn this skill?
Our decisions (major or minor, made consciously or unconsciously) shape our lives. They represent the fundamental tool we use in facing the opportunities, challenges, and uncertainties of life. Significantly, our response indicates/ determines to a large extent our place in society and the successful roles we play. Seeing how our decisions affect others, it is an important determinant of how well we meet our life’s responsibilities, live a more fulfilling & happy life, and achieve professional & personal goals. Symbolically, you would agree with me that making smart decisions is a fundamental life skill.
My Decision Experience
Brilliantly, my decision to undertake the LBS MBA program involved critical thinking, careful analysis, consideration of all available alternatives and parties involved (myself, Family, friends, Worklife, finances, etc.), and intentional actions/ adjustments. Enterprisingly, I am here which proves that I made a choice 😎 (A smart one). Resulting from this success, and the increasing benefits from the program, I am excited to share with you a simple approach to better decision making. Sometimes, you may have the luxury of time or maybe not, either way, these elements are important to arrive at a reasonable conclusion). So, Let’s dive right into it 🔎
Steps to effective decision-making
Primarily, the best approach to making a smart decision is being PROACTIVE – never wait until a decision is forced or made for you. Better yet, be sure to stay ahead of the game by trying this approach (even in the shortest time available to consider your options and make a choice).
- Ask questions (internally & externally)
- Think out your alternatives/ possible outcomes
- Review consequences & alternatives (within & without)
- Consider the resulting impact/ effects
- Prepare an execution plan (if required or there’s no immediate time constraint)
- Make provision for adjustments/ changes and stay alert.
Are you faced with a dilemma or decision situation? Let’s reason it together.
Hopefully, this helps you make smarter decisions every day. I will like to hear your decision experiences. Please, share in the comment section. Cheers to making smarter decisions.
Be proactive and enjoy your day.
Nature Of Human Beings (General overview)