Decision Making: Explained

The book entitled Decisive (2013) by Chip and Dan Heath states that, “Being decisive is itself a choice” (pg. 252).

I find this sentiment to be extremely true. Everyday, we have thousands of decisions to make, ways to make them, and potential excuses for why we did not. Throughout the final chapter of Decisive, the idea of slowing down the decision making process is harped upon. Why do something decisive if it turns out to be a failure.

To create better results when making a decision, collaboration can be implemented (Heath & Heath,2013, pg. 240). It creates a better response to the decision in the long run and proves that the decision was based on diverse points of view.

Collaboration can provide a sense of fairness in the decision. The feeling of fairness in a decision-making process is referred to as procedural justice (Heath & Heath, 2013, pg. 243). Listening to others is a large part of conducting procedural justice.

You may be surprised to hear what the book recommends in regard to hearing out other’s concerns. It is suggested that the individual repeats the concerns of the one counterarguing, and then expounds on those concerns. Although seemingly contradictory, this helps soothe the worries of the person proving the counterargument and build a middle ground with the individual (Heath & Heath, 2013, pg. 244).

Decisive (2013) points out ways in which to make smart decisions:

· Widen your options

· Talk to others that have been through what you are going through

· Consider the consequences and put theories to the test

· Do not focus on short term emotions

· Provide yourself a time limit of when the decision should be fulfilled

By following these tips and by compromising with others, decision making will go much smoother.

In the future, when you’re deciding what to do, remember, “Success emerges from the quality of the decision and the quality of luck we receive” (Heath & Heath, 2013, pg. 250). Therefore, by taking time and mulling ideas around with others, a decision that produces good results will develop.

References

Heath C. & Heath D. (2013). Decisive. United States: Crown Business.