Making Tough Decisions LERN Annual Conference 2016
Presented by Kassia Dellabough, PhD
Image from my learning solutions
Lets Start With The Basics!
What is a decision?
What Kinds of Decisions Do We make?
•Organizational-Policy
•Personal – lifestyle, family, etc.
•Strategic – both personal and organizational
•Group or Consensus decisions
What Makes This Decision So Tough?
Image from attitude magazine
How Do We Make Decisions?
Thanks to Ekta Blwa
Who Makes the Final Decision?
What Are Some Examples of YOUR Tough Decisions?
Steps to Decision Making
• Making a choice between two or more options can be a difficult and overwhelming experience.
• Especially if the decision will affect you in the long-term
• And even smaller choices may leave you feeling anxious and doubtful.
• You can make choices without regret if you evaluate your options and make your decision.
• Then, build confidence in yourself and accept the consequences of your choices.
Step By Step
• Identify Pros & Cons
• Prioritize Values
• Look at the Big Picture/Long term Impact
• Take time to reflect/pause
• Make a Choice and follow with action
• Take time to re-evaluate and if need be make a new choice!
1. Take Time to reflect – along the way!
• It is important to be clear and calm when you make this decision so gather all the information you need.
2. Clarify Your Values
• What creates a sense of happiness for you? Think back to your experiences..
• What are you proud of?
• When have you felt content, satisfied and fulfilled?
• What are some common threads over time that produce these feelings?
• Which choice aligns and supports these?
3. Get the Information and the Facts!
• Eliminate the unknowns – ask questions, do the research
• What will be the impact of your choice? Short term and long term.
Ivn.us
4. List Your Options
• Make sure to examine ALL options even the ones that are not so obvious
5. What are the Risks?
• What is at stake with this choice?
• What is the likelihood of anything negative happening?
• What if I make NO decision?
• How long can I delay making this decision?
• Is there really a “wrong” decision?
From backwest.com
Healthy ACTION No regrets! - move forward with confidence
If you see the choice is not right after you made it…. it is best to make a new choice FORWARD – not back.
Develop a Decision Grid
CONSIDERATIONS VALUE 1-10 OPTION #1 OPTION #2
Stable income 7 2X 7 = 14 9 X 7 = 63
Exciting and Learn new skills
10 10 X 10 = 100 2 X 10 = 20
Live near the water 5 0 5 X 5 = 25
Work/life balance 8 4 X 8 = 32 7 X 8 = 56
Live near family 4 7 X 8 = 56 4 X 8 = 32
Opportunity for promotion
9 10 X 9 = 90 5 X 9 = 45
Flexible schedule 6 10 X 6 = 60 2 X 6 = 12
Totals = 352 253
Lets Try It! Example
CONSIDERATIONS VALUE 1-10 OPTION #1 OPTION #2
