This is a guest post by Melisa Marsett. She is a young, though talented writer. Melisa mainly works on such topics as leadership, psychology, and business. Her works can also be found at http://cleverpaperwritingservices.com/. It is easy to get more information about this author at Google+
How many decisions do we make during the day? Ten? Twenty? One hundred? We make decisions every minute. No matter how usual and standard our actions seem to be, all of them are the products of our choice. The only difference is that most of our solutions are spontaneous and random. Nonrandom connected with intellectual efforts are taken not that often.
In business, just as in life, we constantly have to make decisions, and in most cases this necessity is quite unexpected. What helps us in these situations? How to make the right choice? How to find the right way? A wise man says that when you do not know which decision to take, flip a nickel and see what you get. If you are satisfied with the result, then so be it. If you feel doubts, choose another option.
We have to admit that ready-made recipes for all occasions do not exist, and each person has the freedom to choose. But it is unlikely that you will put mineral oil into the engine of an expensive car. It is doubtful that you put on your favorite track suit to go to a business dinner or social events. There are certain principles and rules based on knowledge, which are shared by most people. At the same time, everyone has the freedom of choice – what kind of oil to use or what to wear. Thus, your real choice is based on the actual situation, capabilities, preferences and, of course, common sense.
And how do we make difficult decisions? Do we take into account all possible options? Do we listen to our inner voice? Do we consider rational factors, or rely on intuition?
Strategy as it is
In order to make wise decisions, it is useful to develop a method for estimating the possible options that would take into account the largest possible number of factors, both rational and emotional. A key role in decision-making process should be played by the mind and practical considerations together with feelings, faith and life values.
So, what can help a leader to make the right choice? In order to make the right decision you should understand what exactly you want. You need to put a specific goal. It will help you to achieve results faster.
SWOT analysis. This method of making right choices is rather effective. SWOT analysis offers to estimate each of possible options according to four factors: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Thus, you can test the effectiveness of a decision directly, comparing them with each other, as well as seeing the possible consequences of the chosen path. If the factors seem acceptable to you, make the decision. It will be more successful than any other.
Methods of making right decisions
- If you have two options and don’t know which one to choose, take the paper and enumerate thoughts that occur in your mind. Divide a sheet of paper into two halves. Write down two lists, of positive and negative features of each option. Note, that the method is not based on counting the number of positive and negative arguments. Each of the arguments should be assessed separately and only after that the final decision should be taken.
- There is also a nice technique which helps to understand another person. A leader should try the role of the person whom he/she wants to understand, and ask certain questions. This method helps to get important answers about the criteria for making choices which another person prefers, to understand his goals and desires, recognize them as your own. This allows a leader not only to choose a strategy of behavior and to make the right decision, but also to predict human behavior.
These methods will definitely help a leader to make well-weighted, wise and far-sighted decisions. Only rational and cold thinking will lead to success.
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