Decision-Making Skill is one of the most sought-after competencies in today’s world, both in relationships and in business life.
We always make decisions in life. According to scientific research, an adult person makes 35,000 decisions a day, no matter big or small. Decisionmaking begins the moment we wake up: what to eat today, how to fix my hair, which way to go to work, who to call today, and the list goes on. But the decisions taken may not always be so trivial. Sometimes it is necessary to make important decisions that will affect our future, the course of a project, or the life of another person. Therefore, “Decision Making Skill” has an important place in life.
Decision-making skill is a leadership characteristic that shows objective thinking and analysis skills. Having the capacity to make quick and accurate decisions helps you build strong bonds with those around you and contributes greatly to the development of you and the many people involved in the decision process.
Decision-making skills include problem solving, leadership, reasoning, intuition, teamwork, emotional intelligence, time management, organizational ability and creativity. If you are a good decision maker in life, you will make the right choices by analyzing all the alternatives quickly and accurately. The number of regrets you experience for the choices you have made is very few or even none.
So, How Can You Increase Your Decision-Making Skills?
The number and size of the decisions you will make, whether in your private or career life, will continue to increase as you progress. Following a path as stated below within the specified time frames will not only accelerate the decision-making processes, but will also improve your correct and effective decision-making skills.
Set Target
What is the ultimate goal of your decision? Own a new car, change jobs, grow the team if you’re a manager, or increase productivity on the team? If you set your goal clearly, the list of decisions you need to make to reach this goal will emerge and the issues that slow you down in the decision-making processes will be disabled.
Identify and Analyze the Situation
After determining the target, depending on the importance of the decision you will make, there will be a need to do research to reach the most logical solution. Here you can make a series of lists to help you filter your decision. Make up a list in your head or in writing, weigh the pros and cons of each decision.
If you are in the process of making a decision to work for a new company, write down how this job has contributed to your development and career. If you are building a team for anew project, list who will make a positive contribution to the project and what skills you will need. See the pros and cons of each option. In particular, data-based benefit and result analyzes will accelerate decision-making processes and enable you to make the right decisions.
Be Aware of Your Instincts and Emotions
When we have to make a decision, especially if it is important and difficult decisions, it is important that you have a very good instinct for what to do. People who have strong instincts and are aware of it make the right decisions and become people whose decisions are trusted.
However, it is important to distinguish instinctive emotions from emotional responses. According to Forbes, “you need to take your own temperature, especially when faced with a difficult decision.” If the decisions you make are instinctive, not well-thought-out, but instantaneous decisions that are triggered by some factors, it is probable that you will be harmed by this decision.
In order to realize this, you need to make a habit of asking yourself questions and coaching yourself, without rushing at decision moments. If you feel angry or worried before making a decision, take a step back and take an outside look at the decision and look at it as a whole. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What would be the most logical decision I should make on this matter in my current circumstances?” and take your decision with a more rational and confident mind.
Silence Voices That Make It Difficult to Make a Decision
In the final analysis, if you are the decision maker and have to take a decision that will affect everyone, it is important to get the opinions of your spouse, friends, colleagues and find out their perspectives. However, sometimes getting the opinion of many people will cause a lot of noise, create information pollution and negatively affect your decision-making process.
You must be able to formulate your decisions quickly and effectively, separating emotions from conversations with people who will influence your decision making. You have to do your research in this and pay close attention to the details to match the facts with the situation you are dealing with.
At this point, the answers you will give to the questions you will ask appropriate to the subject with the data you have collected as a solution will contribute to your clarity on the decision.
• Am I informed enough about the options?
• Do I think I am honest enough with myself when making this decision?
• What happens next if I make this decision?
• What beliefs or prejudices might limit my ability to make correct and quick decisions?
• What would be my decision if I looked at this decision objectively, as an outside eye?
• Who is this decision good for? Is it for me or for everyone?
• What will be the long-term impact?
• Is it fair for me and for everyone who will be affected by this decision?
Give Yourself Time for the Decision
After you have stopped the noise from those around you, follow the best known rule and sleep for a night before making this decision. Of course, not every decision allows for days of rumination. If you have a day or two to decide, take your time. Don’t make hasty decisions out of excitement, fear, or simply the desire to remove it from your list. Take your time to consider your options and make your final decision as of where you are.
Make the Decision, You Can Do It
You are now ready to make a decision, even if it is difficult in light of all the analyses, evaluations and ideas. Go ahead and make this decision. If you have people to share your decision with, whether it includes a written or verbal announcement, be sure to use strong and firm language. Don’t undermine your well-researched and thoughtful decision by using weak language. Do not apologize for any decision.
Instead, be prepared for any questions or concerns about your decision. If you’ve followed the steps above, you’ll already be well equipped to answer any question that arises about your decision.