How to Make a Good Decision
How to Make an Effective Decision:
Learning & Retention Tip: Seek Out 1-3 specific pieces of information that have value and significance to you. Write it down and review it 2 times in 24 hours.
Decision: a conclusion OR resolution reached after consideration.
Sometimes you will make a decision quickly or after consulting one reference. In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, we refer to this as a 1 time Meta Program: the way you go about a specific task or process mentally.
If you have a Meta Program of “many times” it may take you a long time to come to a decision because you have a program that requires that you gather many sources and facts before you make a decision.
For example, let’s say you are new to the area and are looking for a Doctor. If you have a Meta Program of “1 Time” and your neighbor suggests their doctor you will probably just go with that Doc without consulting anyone else.
However if you have a Meta Program of “many times” you will seek out several opinions, you may even schedule some consultations before picking the doctor that feels good to you.
We all have different Meta Programs that effect how quickly or slowly we make decisions.
Your sense of effective decision making kicks in when you are aware of your program as well as your team mates and/or family members.
Do you have a decision to make and do you find yourself waffling back and forth between several options?
When priorities are clear, decisions are easy.
Whenever we make a decision in life there are several factors at play: our values, beliefs and ability to see situations from another person’s perspective.
When our value’s are clear and our confidence secure we can then open ourselves up to making decision that are inclusive (good of all concerned) rather than exclusive (what’s best for me apart from you).
In business we look for opportunities that will have the most positive impact on business. In Sherpa coaching we refer to this as I.O.B..
Personally, we look to make decisions that support what we value most and what will have the most positive impact on our relationships.
Truth is, who you are at home is actually deep down the same person you bring to work…WHAAAT?
Actually, the most important decision to make when it comes to being an authentic leader is congruency when it comes to how you show up in life.
Decide to be the same person behind closed as you are out in public.
This practice actually reduces stress (it takes more effort to be a chameleon than it does to be who you are no matter what “back drop” happens to be around you).
Making an effective decision takes into consideration who you are, who you desire to be and the best outcome for all concerned.
In Sherpa Executive Coaching we explore three areas that make it difficult to make a decision. Sometimes you will be prevented from making a decision. At other times you will be forced to make a decision. And, at other times you will be driven to make a decision. Let’s explore all 3:
- Prevent: their are certain factors in your environment that can prevent you from making a decision: a corporate culture that discourages risk taking or behavior from team members that is based on fear, blame or denial.
- Questions to explore: What are you avoiding? Putting off? What specifically is stopping you from making a decision. Clarity of focus leads to accuracy of response.
- Force: at times you will be forced to make a decision: job loss, mergers, economy, family illness.
- Questions to explore: What or who is forcing you to make a decision?
- Drive: At times you will be driven to make a decision. It could be your values, environment, perceptions or accountability.
- Questions to explore: Will the result of your decision change something significant in your life? Are you obliged or compelled to make this decision? What is pushing you to make this decision?
It’s easy to put off decisions that you know need to be made for the fear of making the wrong decision. Having an effective process helps to relieve that place of paralysis.
Decision Making Mountain allows you to know when to bring others in on a decision. Consider running your decision factors up Decision Making Mountain the next time you are facing a decision:
- Need: Gather facts, slow down, create a time line and reflect. Include your intuition and experiences. Is it mine or someone else’s?
- Assessment: Examine your main driver in life. In Sherpa Coaching we guide you in a process to find out your main driver in life, your “Why it Matters” for you and the people involved. Be inclusive: what are the ramifications of the decision? Assess and share thinking and invite input. Who do I need to involve in this decision and what else do I need to know to make a decision?
- Change: Prepare your people for the change. Studies reveal that one of the biggest complaints from employees is exclusivity when it comes to decision making and company processes. Basically people what to be included in change initiatives. Why? It evokes a sense of meaning and significance (two of our basic needs) you see me and I matter.
- Coaching and Follow-Through: A conscious dedication to the resolution of the issue in every facet. Creating the desired effect, adding to the knowledge base, building loyalty, efficiency and team cohesiveness.
