Creating a Constructive Environment
To make the decision-making process easier, people need to create a constructive environment around them. This technique was mentioned in both the video and the Mind Tools article. In essence, people need to prepare themselves to make decisions by taking time to think. In addition, it is necessary to contact those who will help in making the decision. This method is very effective in my personal life because when I find it difficult to assess which strategy to choose, my friends often help me. I also often take the time to evaluate all possible alternatives. A few years ago, one of the problems I faced was choosing between continuing to live in the suburbs or moving closer to the center. I created a constructive environment around myself by discussing my possible action plans with my friends, which allowed me to make the best decision.
Brainstorming the Options
Sometimes it seems that there is no way out of a certain situation, but it is not so. It is enough just to look for alternatives, which can be done in the course of brainstorming (Mansfield, 2021). This technique is explicitly mentioned in the video, and the article describes it as creating alternatives. In my personal and professional life, I often use this decision-making method. One day, my project was seriously underfunded, and I started generating ideas on how my team could find the money. After a little research, I discovered that we had overlooked at least three additional funding sources. The authors’ idea that this method allows one to go beyond the usual thinking patterns is valid – brainstorming makes people think more creatively and innovatively.
Exploring the Options
Sometimes it is not enough just to realize that there are alternatives. It is necessary to explore them in order to understand how good or bad they are; that is what constitutes exploring the options, according to the authors. It was also mentioned in the article about the importance of establishing mutual understanding within the group (Mind Tools, 2021). I have used the techniques mentioned by the authors many times during my work, and I can confirm that they are highly effective. Apart from my work life, this method has also helped me in my personal life. When I chose a city to live in, at first, I did not think too much about the alternatives. Then, I noticed that there were many other good options around me. I began to study how other cities work and what their advantages are compared to the town initially chosen. Although I adhered to my original choice, that assessment allowed me to make sure the right decision was made.
Selecting the Best Solution
Understanding the problem is also an excellent method for making the right decision. Often, the difficulty in making a choice arises because the subject misjudges the situation (Mind Tools, 2021). Sometimes, a problem can signal that there are deeper aspects that need to be analyzed in detail (Mind Tools, 2018, 00:59). This method is more helpful in professional life than in personal life. Once, my team and I could not decide which of the two partners we should cooperate with. After a long discussion, we decided to take a break. During this pause, I realized that our problem was that neither project partner was right for us. I decided to share my thoughts with my colleagues, and they agreed with my conclusion. In the end, we decided to look for other partners, and two days later, we found the perfect candidate.
Evaluating the Plan
Evaluating the plan is a strategy that applies to both personal and professional life. As the authors of the article rightly point out, this approach prevents mistakes in advance (Mind Tools, 2021). When my friends and I were planning a trip, we made a plan detailing the routes, activities, and places we wanted to visit. In the process of evaluating our plan, it turned out that some of the attractions were not available. Thus, we had to make changes to our trip program. It would have been a huge disappointment to arrive and see that the parks we wanted to visit were closed. Therefore, the method of evaluating the plan is very helpful in making decisions.
Communicating the Decision
Discussing decisions allows one to see what other people’s perspectives are, that is, to get rational feedback. That is the opinion of the authors of this article, and it is hard to argue with them. This tactic of saying it aloud also helps avoid possible mistakes (Landry, 2020). By communicating one’s plan, it is possible to discover its weaknesses and strengths (Velasquez, 2021). Sometimes just stating a decision aloud is enough to realize that it is absurd. In my personal life and in my career, this advice is constructive. A few years ago, I decided to give up one of my hobbies to which I have devoted many years of my life. When I told it to my family members, they were very supportive and said that I had the right to do what I thought was right. In my job, I have often, before making a decision, reported it to a colleague whose feedback allowed me to understand if I was moving in the right direction.
References
Landry, L. (2020). Why managers should involve their team in the decision-making process. Harvard Business School. Web.
Mansfield, D. (2021). Brainstorming techniques: 15 creative activities to do solo or as a team.HubSpot. Web.
Mind Tools. (2021). How to make decisions: A model for making the best possible choices. Web.
Mind Tools Videos. (2018). Decision-making techniques [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Velasquez, V. (2021). 5 ways to effectively determine employee strengths and weaknesses.The Balance. Web.