Decision-Making Skills

Life is a collection of various decisions made across a range of situations and problems, from the very simple to the very complex. Each day we make many decisions for ourselves; some of these decisions are simple and unimportant and may not have a great effect on our lives, such as getting dressed or eating, but some of them are important and can have a great effect on our lives, such as choosing a job or a field of study, etc. Decision-making is an important and fundamental matter in everyone's life, and people's success or failure is greatly related to their making correct decisions.

∴ What is decision-making? Decision-making means choosing one path and action from among various paths and actions. In order to make the right decision, each time we are in a decision-making situation, we should try to draw on past experiences and improve our weaknesses. The main cause of success in decision-making is to use an orderly, step-by-step method when facing a problem for which we must decide, and to apply the techniques of decision-making skill well.

∴ The stages of decision-making are:

1/ Recognizing the problem and identifying the situation that requires a decision Decision-making usually begins with the person recognizing that a problem exists for which a decision must be made to solve it. When the problem is large, it must be broken into several smaller problems, a remedy thought out for each, and ultimately all of them directed toward solving the main problem. In defining the problem you face, you must specify your role and the responsibility you have for deciding on it. Do not get overly involved in decisions that are beyond your ability.

2/ Assessing the situation and considering the goals At this stage, specify what you mean by solving the problem and when it will become clear to you that the present problem has been solved and the decision has been successfully made, or whether after the decision you have reached satisfaction or not. It is necessary to analyze the existing conditions and situation and then set goals for yourself so that you decide based on those goals.

3/ Searching for options At this stage you must look for the available solutions and options for action. Try not to settle only for familiar and habitual options, and consider varied and numerous choices. Depending on the importance and type of the decision before you, try to spend a proportionate amount of time and effort finding varied solutions and choices. If you are making a very important decision that may determine the course of your life, do not pass through this stage easily, and consider all possibilities.

4/ Choosing the best option One of the key elements of decision-making is to think in advance, "If I do this, what things might happen..." In other words, examine the positive and negative consequences of each of the options you noted in the previous stage. In examining the options, you must consider the supporting and inhibiting resources available for each choice and choose the option that you can put into action. If none of the options is a suitable solution to your problem, try to create a new option and solution by combining some of the ideas and possibilities.

5/ Putting the chosen decision into action Decision-making does not end with choosing the best option; rather, you must implement this choice. After making a decision, you must accept all its responsibilities and consequences and stand by your decision until the anticipated changes and improvements occur. Along this path, strengthen your ability and will, and do not let the problems that arise on your way divert you from the path of your main goal.

6/ Evaluating the results After implementing a decision, its results and consequences must be evaluated to determine whether it was effective or not. If the evaluation of the results shows that the problem has been resolved to an acceptable degree and your goals have been achieved, decision-making in this particular situation comes to an end.