Mark Gerardot on How To Become A Better Decision Maker

Being able to make the correct decision in any giving situation is difficult. While many are great at making smart choices, others lack the necessary analytical skills. If you count yourself among that second group, don’t worry, there are many who start out in the same position as you. It will take time to become a better decision-maker, but if you follow these suggestions, you’ll get one step closer.

Pay Closer Attention to Risks

One reason people make poor decisions is because they don’t realize they’re taking unnecessary risks. Not many workers realize the consequences of their choices. When you make yourself more aware of the dangers you take you’ll train yourself to see the risks of your future decisions. Analyze the option you are taking from all sides, don’t choose one to get the decision over with.
Take Your Time

When bad decisions are made, it’s typically because you acted hastily or carelessly. When you’re faced with decisions, step back and take enough time to think about the choices. Don’t be afraid to sleep on a decision and give yourself enough time to make the correct choice.

Examine the Problem From Another Perspective

It can help the decision-making process to look at the problem from another viewpoint. The best way to do this is to imagine this is your peer’s problem. What advice would you give them? Often, distancing yourself from the issue in this way leads to making wiser choices.
Collaborate with the Right People

No one expects you to make decisions in a vacuum, but it’s a mistake to randomly ask everyone for their opinion. Rather, seek out those with the experience and knowledge applicable to your problem. Don’t ask what they would do, but explain the problem and listen to their insight.

Trust Your Instincts

You can examine a problem from every angle and research it until you’ve reviewed every available piece of information, but you still may be no closer to making the right decision. In the end, sometimes all you have is your gut to help. Listening to your intuition can be worthwhile. Now be aware that there will be times that you need to ignore your instincts. Learning when to do that is part of the process of becoming a better decision maker.

Some problems are complicated, especially when they involve raw emotions. There are no guarantees that you will decide wisely but making mistakes is part of the process. All you can do is gather information about the issue and make the decision that you think is best. If you’re wrong, you’ll have an opportunity to learn from the experience, so you’ll choose more wisely in future similar situations.

Originally published at MarkGerardot.net.

Mark Gerardot is currently with AMResorts in Philadelphia as the Creative Director. He has an extensive history in marketing and graphic design. With his knowledge and expertise, he is helping his team at AMResorts achieve their goals and potential.