Have an important decision to make? Read this first
What Are The 3 Cs In Decision Making?
Hang on.
Before selecting a decision-making strategy, you need to know one crucial point…
A 'right' and 'wrong' decision is often a myth. More commonly, we simply face two or more options, each with a set of pros and cons.
Of course, this statement is not accurate 100% of the time. Technical decision-making often involves a correct solution (e.g., a mathematics equation). However, there is no objectively correct answer for most decisions in work and life.
Big decision synonyms
The right/wrong decision-making trap can block our ability to make choices and act. We become indecisive in the fear of mistakes and their consequences.
What if I regret my decision?
What if something terrible happens?
What if I look stupid?
We assume that catastrophe is avoidable if we can just figure out the correct answer. But, this mindset can lead to time-wasting and increased stress.
Yes, there can be big implications for our choices. We should not rush major life decisions. But, we can accrue new problems in daily life (e.g., over-thinking, procrastination) via the right/wrong assumption.
The first step in decision making is to ______.
Remind yourself that life is all about shades of grey and complexity.
Should I apply for that job?
Should I continue this relationship?
Should I move to another part of the country?
Should I have that conversation?
These questions are not in the form:
2 + 2=?
Instead, daily decision dilemmas are more likely to be presented this way:
There is a number. It has some relationship to another number, or maybe two other numbers, or it could be three. Who knows. Oh, there may also be entities in this equation of non-mathematical persuasion. Maybe a spanner or piece of fried chicken. Anyways, when these elements combine, they lead to a particular outcome.
Now, go find the right answer. Good luck.
Describe internal factors of decision making
The decision-making process naturally comes with doubt, uncertainty, and incomplete information. This situation is a threat to your alarm (survival) brain. It may say:
Be careful; there is a right and wrong decision. Don't mess this up.
This statement raises the stakes- There's a right decision, and I better pick it, or else.
Beyond your own body, organisations and society value the confident decision-maker (here is an example in Business News Daily). Making clear, quick decisions is revered. What does that say about me if I can't see the right answer? The result? More pressure to make the correct call.
Decision-Making Strategy 1
Give up the struggle to shield yourself from negative consequences. You can't avoid them because life isn't a box of chocolates (to steal an expression). Instead, think about identifying the pros and cons of available options then managing decision outcomes. Think of decision-making as an ongoing process of taking actions and responding to outcomes. In most cases, all is not lost if desired outcomes fail to materialise.
Assisted decision making
There are several methods to facilitate decision-making. Using tools or 'models' might help prevent getting stuck. The 3 Cs of decision making are:
Clarify (decision/problem at hand)
Consider (all possible options)
Choose (an approach and execute)
After a decision, you can use structured reflection to review outcomes. This process can help learning and development, leading to better-informed decisions.
Decision-Making Strategy 2
Use a structured approach to identify and review decision options (especially for significant decisions).
Heuristics are used for _____ in decision making.
Our brains use 'rules of thumb' to simplify a complex world. In other words, a heuristic is a mental shortcut. An awareness of heuristics can assist decision-making. For example, the representativeness heuristic is a tendency to estimate the likelihood of an event based on existing beliefs/assumptions.
Here is an article on this topic.
Decision-Making Strategy 3
Learn about heuristics and cognitive biases to understand their impact on decision-making.
We are Coaching & Clinical Psychologists with extensive experience helping people conquer a range of wellbeing and performance issues at home and in the workplace. We can also help with decision-making challenges. Read more about our work, watch practical skills videos or browse other articles. Get in touch anytime.