How to Make a Good Decision
How to Make an Effective Decision:
Learning & Retention Tip: Seek Out 1-3 specific pieces ofinformation that have value and significance to you. Write it down and reviewit 2 times in 24 hours.
Decision:a conclusion OR resolution reached afterconsideration.
Sometimes you will make a decision quickly or afterconsulting one reference. In Neuro-Linguistic Programming, we refer to this asa 1 time Meta Program: the way you go about a specific task or processmentally.
If you have a Meta Program of “many times” it may take youa long time to come to a decision because you have a program that requires thatyou 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 aDoctor. If you have a Meta Program of “1 Time” and your neighborsuggests their doctor you will probably just go with that Docwithout consulting anyone else.
However if you have a Meta Program of “many times” you will seekout several opinions, you may even schedule some consultations before pickingthe doctor that feels good to you.
We all have different Meta Programs that effect how quickly or slowly wemake decisions.
Your sense of effective decision making kicks in when you are aware ofyour 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 andforth between several options?
When priorities are clear, decisions are easy.
Whenever we make a decision in life there are several factors at play: ourvalues, beliefs and ability to see situations from another person’sperspective.
When our value’s are clear and our confidence secure we can then openourselves 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 positiveimpact 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 andwhat will have the most positive impact on our relationships.
Truth is, who you are at home is actually deep down the same person youbring to work…WHAAAT?
Actually, the most important decision to make when it comes to being anauthentic leader is congruency when it comes to how you show up in life.
Decideto be the same person behind closed as you are out inpublic.
This practice actually reduces stress (it takes more effort to be achameleon 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 youdesire to be and the best outcome for all concerned.
InSherpa Executive Coachingwe 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 fearof making the wrong decision. Having an effective process helps to relieve thatplace 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. InSherpa Coachingwe 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.
