Decision Making

Sharpen your present decision making skills.

Good decision making skills are crucial if you wish to succeed.

And Now for Something Completely Different!

Do you change your decision making hat according

to the situation or requirements for a positive relationship?

Winning Colors® Targets the Order of Your Present Behavioral Cluster Strengths.

(Planner, Builder, Relater, Adventurer)

1. When a person is unaware of his/her present behavioral strengths, decisions are made many times according to one’s behavioral bias.

Therefore begin by identifying the order of your behavioral strengths according to your Winning Colors^® Behavioral Identification Observation Skills Process.

You will then discover which behavioral cluster MAY POSSIBLY BE influencing your decision rather than your decision being determined by the situation or the behaviors required for a successful relationship.

 (Note use of word definition: Part of Me. Memory hooks are in brackets):

THINK! a. (Planner Part of Me-green-fox) my decision making is often determined by my need to think things out.

DECIDE! b. (Builder Part of Me-brown-bull/bear) my decision making is often determined by my need to lead and control.

FEEL! c. (Relater Part of Me-blue-dolphins) my decision making is often determined by my need to build a harmonious team and present emotion.

ACT! d. (Adventurer Part of Me-red-tiger) my decision making strength is often determined by my need to take quick action.

Rudiments of a Behavioral Bias.

When a person is dominated by a behavioral bias the decision making process may follow the following in lieu of deciding according the situaltion or needs of the relationship.

Planner Bias:

Don’t make the Decision. By not making a decision it happens by default.
Make only a portion of the deccision now. Piece meal decision making.
I need much more information before I  can make a decision. The old and gray decision making. Contemplate until the decision dies.
Won’t make a decision because it will open me up to criticism. Hidey-whole (hiding in the closet) decision making.

Builder Bias.

Make a decision expecting it to end the process. Never look back decision making.
I’ll make the decision and you will live with it. The agressive decision maker.
I take responsibility for the decision – the self directed decision maker.
I’ll make the decision but reserve to change my mind. The don’t pin me down decision making.

Relater Bias:

Don’t make the Decision as it may upset the apple cart. Let someone else decide and then he or she is responsible.
Make a decision because it is expected. A formal structure has designated who will make the decision.
Make a decision because it feels rigt. Emotionally based decisions.
What decision do you think I should make? The easily influenced decision maker who wants to defer responsibility

Adventurer Bias:

Let fate make the decision.  Assumes fate is on your side.
What is the Big Deal? Make a decision. The relaxed decision maker.
O. K. Sounds good to me. The impulsive decision maker.
Just make the decision, get it over and move on. The expediting decision maker.

Note: Above descriptions of decision making names are from an unknown author.

How to make an informed decision for success in a situation or for a solid relationship.

Analysts have developed a myriad of decision making models. Most paradigms for decision making are rather complicated and sometimes rather confusing. Below is my format based on the Winning Colors® Identification Process”¹ and “Brain Compatible Learning”².

Example: Place the following information in the diagram that follows:

1. Select a Problem or Challenge: There is no advancement in my present position in this company.

2.  Place a possible solution in each of the options:

Option One: Stay in my present work.
Option Two: Change to another Company.
Option Three: Retire.

3. Place the Positive and Negative Consequences for each option.

4. After completion, the person with the challenge selects one option: “Do I need more information?” or “My Decision”.

5. Colors I need to Improve in order to make my decision a success.

Psychologically, the placing of the pros and cons of the option in each of the ovals gives credence to the idea that the challenge is manageable. The form is also great to use for individual or group brainstorming sessions and improving communication. This is an excellent format if you need to make a quick decision: Draw three ovals, Place the pros and cons for each decision. Choose the best option.

1. Neilson & Thoelke.What Color is Communication: Communication Skills for Leadership, Team-Building, Self-Esteem and Conflict Resolution in Character Education. Aeon Hierophant, 2003. ISBN  1-880830-56-6. winningcolors@shaw.ca  Note: Pg. 75, Color Me Decisive. Although designed for advanced students, information is applicable for any age.

2. Williams, R. Bruce & Dunn, Steven E. Brain Compatible Learning for the Block. Arlington Heights, Illinois: Skylight Professional Development, 2000. ISBN: 1-57517-182-1

The Decision Making Process