What do you need to be able to making decisions?
Decisions come up all the time both in a work environment and everyday life. Some decisions may seem straight forward such as 'where to have lunch today' but some decisions that you make may be complex involving many variables and people. Good decision making skills both from a objective task oriented and an ethical and social perspective is an important skill to have when looking at employment in any workplace.
Visit the ECU CareerHub for more information, resources and support on career options and how to improve your decision making skills.
A breakdown of decision making skills are:
Process of decision making
- The ability to make decisions with many different variables
- Understanding why your decision includes and excludes certain factors
- Monitor and review the outcomes of decisions made.
- Knowing when rapid decision making is necessary or when to slow down and properly consider the options.
Recognising the variables
- Identifying the reach of your decision and the different variables that are needed for you to make a sound decision
- Understanding that decisions will influence others and to take them into account
- Including others who are involved in the decision making process where necessary
- Make ethical decisions based on the context of the situation.
Making decisions can be a process. For complex multivariable decisions you may need to consider all the factors before making your choice so that you take into account things your decision will effect. Some approaches that you can take to help you with your decision making process can be:
- If it is a decision between two choices try a Pro/Cons list. What are the pros and cons for both of your current solutions or options?
- Consult others if you have people who may be influenced by the decision at hand. See Connect and Work With Others for tips on negotiation and coming to a consensus.
- Be aware of what is important to the decision. If there are too many variables or too many differing opinions take a step back and figure out the goal of decision. What is the ultimate purpose of reaching that goal? See Identify and Solve Problems for tips on how to work your way to an objective or goal.
References
Brodhead, M. T., Cox, D. J., & Quigley, S. P. (2018). Chapter 2 - Contextual Factors That Influence Ethical Decision-Making. In M. T. Brodhead, D. J. Cox, & S. P. Quigley (Eds.), Practical Ethics for Effective Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (pp. 17-33). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814098-7.00002-X
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education and Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. (2013). Core skills for work developmental framework. https://www.dese.gov.au/download/6979/core-skills-work-developmental-framework/10899/document/pdf
Integrating Ethics: From Thought to Action. (2015). Integrating ethics: Ethical decision making [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwK-CshmH7M
Kaner, S. (2014). Facilitator's guide to participatory decision-making (3rd ed.). John wiley & Sons.
SkillsYouNeed. (n.d.). Effective decision making. https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/decision-making.html
The Ethics Centre. (2020). Ethical decision making [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0uwTBrgqxI
