We make decisions all day, every day. That’s part of being human! But have you given any thought to how you make decisions? You can improve your decision-making skills by implementing a few of the following strategies.
Know what you want
Decisions often become more challenging when there is a lot at stake. For example, you want to leave your current job but leaving might mean earning less money or even being unemployed. Taking time to work out your goals and what you’re truly seeking, can instantly change the decision-making process. Why do you want to leave your job? Is it more money you’re after? Perhaps you can ask for a raise. Is it the location that’s not working for you? Perhaps you could negotiate to work from home. The key is to understand what your ultimate goal is. Knowing this can re-shape how you look at your options and present opportunities you may have otherwise missed.
Get to know yourself
Understanding your personality will better prepare you for making decisions. For example, someone quick to react, may need to enforce a ‘wait period’ before deciding on anything. This will enable you to accurately assess the options. Others who rely on their initial instincts, will know that early thoughts about a decision are probably correct. By understanding how you think and react when faced with a decision, you will be better equipped to make the right one.
Get all the information
Being a good decision maker ultimately comes down to how effectively you can analyse. This can only be done when you have all the information possible. Choosing between two jobs for example can be a challenge, but do you have all the information to inform your decision? What’s the salary for each? The travel time? The company culture? Growth opportunities? The company’s values? and so on. Assess all the information before you make a decision, even if it takes time and effort.
Decision making is a skill, one that can be exercised and learnt over time. The more you do it, the better you will get at it and discover what works best for you.
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