Decisions, decisions….
We all gotta make them. Daily. Yet, we weren’t all born with the same decision-making powers (more about that in a later blog).
What I have noticed over time – from observing my own process and that of others – is that we have certain resting styles for decision-making. And it’s useful to know what those are.
Those of us (that would be me) who tend toward the more enthusiastic, impulsive and urgent side want to jump on opportunities as they arise. We may not consider all the options before moving forward. This “seize the day” approach can have its upsides; it can also be a little precipitous.
There are others who are very thorough, almost studious in their approach. For those, more information is always better; information about all the options, their upsides and downsides. And, to round it out, evidence of each option’s efficacy from others’ past experiences. The result - a very well thought out decision, or, paralysis by analysis.
We benefit from knowing our default stance, it’s gifts and challenges. We can also gain from tempering the extreme ends of our decision-making styles.
An example:
While house-hunting many years ago, the broker and I pulled into the driveway of the place I would eventually buy.
“AH!”, I exclaimed. Loudly. It just escaped.
Being a fairly enthusiastic extrovert, this was not an irregular occurrence. But, it did give me away to the broker (who remained professionally neutral). I knew this was my house. From the driveway. End of story.
But, I was already prepared to say, “Yes”. Since this was a big commitment, I had done the proper due diligence – my budget numbers were in order, I knew the mortgage rates, etc.
I could allow my instinctive decision-making style to lead because I had been studious about the nuts and bolts. I tempered my impulsivity with research. That blend really worked.
What are your decision-making challenges? How do you meet them?
We all gotta make them. Daily. Yet, we weren’t all born with the same decision-making powers (more about that in a later blog).
What I have noticed over time – from observing my own process and that of others – is that we have certain resting styles for decision-making. And it’s useful to know what those are.
Those of us (that would be me) who tend toward the more enthusiastic, impulsive and urgent side want to jump on opportunities as they arise. We may not consider all the options before moving forward. This “seize the day” approach can have its upsides; it can also be a little precipitous.
There are others who are very thorough, almost studious in their approach. For those, more information is always better; information about all the options, their upsides and downsides. And, to round it out, evidence of each option’s efficacy from others’ past experiences. The result - a very well thought out decision, or, paralysis by analysis.
We benefit from knowing our default stance, it’s gifts and challenges. We can also gain from tempering the extreme ends of our decision-making styles.
An example:
While house-hunting many years ago, the broker and I pulled into the driveway of the place I would eventually buy.
“AH!”, I exclaimed. Loudly. It just escaped.
Being a fairly enthusiastic extrovert, this was not an irregular occurrence. But, it did give me away to the broker (who remained professionally neutral). I knew this was my house. From the driveway. End of story.
But, I was already prepared to say, “Yes”. Since this was a big commitment, I had done the proper due diligence – my budget numbers were in order, I knew the mortgage rates, etc.
I could allow my instinctive decision-making style to lead because I had been studious about the nuts and bolts. I tempered my impulsivity with research. That blend really worked.
What are your decision-making challenges? How do you meet them?
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