Master the art of decision-making!

We often find ourselves in a situation when we need to make a decision. We have no problems with the easy ones, but when we need to make a decision which is of enormous importance for us, our company, family or the surrounding we find it very difficult to do so. What do we do in such situations and what is the possible outcome of that:

1. ROUTE 1: We don’t make a decision but simply “hide it under the carpet” and wait for it to get solved on its own. Sometimes this is a good solution, but only in situations when you don’t have enough information to make a decision and you firstly need to get the necessary info. In other situations, this solution may only prove to be disastrous.
2. ROUTE 2: We come up with hasty and not well thought through solutions. In this situation again, it’s good that you’ve reached a solution. You’ve been brave and determined, but the quick finding of a solution will certainly have a negative impact on some field. What you need to have in mind here and ask yourself is: “Why have you made such a quick decision?” Is it based on “right” intuition and that’s why you’ve reacted impulsively or is it something else (the brain/rational part appeared with its devious voice) like for example — ego, impatience, anger, hatred, laziness, fear or something else. It’s best to come up with a solution intuitively (what your heart/gut tells you), but unfortunately, we often think that it’s intuition when basically it’s something subconscious and completely (ir)rational, i.e. emotional.
3. ROUTE 3: It’s best to make a wise decision. A wise decision is one based on facts, precise information, acknowledgments and “proper” intuition. It’s also a decision which is in relation to our long-term goal and vision.

One of the biggest obstacles to not making a decision is fear of taking responsibility. We fear that we’ll be criticized if we make a mistake, we fear the end result, and we fear the awaiting suspense. We’re uncertain about our decision so we either don’t make it or we do it quickly. Uncertainty and fear stem from lack of knowledge. When we have knowledge and experience in a given field, situation or activity, we can more easily make the right decision because in those situations we don’t fear the end result.

Our goal is to make wise decisions. Some of the most important steps to have in mind while making wise decisions are:

1. Defining a clear goal: First, you have to see whether the decision is in relation to your long-term goal. Whether the decision you’re making (left or right) brings you closer to your end goal or pulls you apart from it. In any case, the first thing you need to do is have a clearly defined goal.
2. Being fully informed: As we’ve already seen, we sometimes make quick decisions because we lack information. This is why you need to gather all relevant information, from all sources, in order to make the right decision.
3. Consulting relevant people: Don’t be vain (I know everything attitude) and consult with your colleagues, managers, friends and/or family. I agree that often the surrounding only messes with our plans and does us no good, but a “nonbinding” advice can be welcome.
4. Rational — Intuition: You first make a decision rationally and only then do you check to see what your intuition is telling you. Once you gather all the necessary information and facts based on which you’re going to make the decision, ask yourselves: “How do I feel about this decision?” See what your heart/gut is telling you.
5. Bite the bullet: This is something I do when I’m not 100% sure, yet time is pressuring me to make a decision. Then, the only thing I can do is wait for the results (consequences) and be brave enough to take full responsibility.

In any case, be more determined, yet “run slowly”.

I wish you success with your changes!