Make Good Decisions

Decisions. We make hundreds each day. Consistently making good decisions is a prerequisite to leading an effective life; have you learned how?

Good household decision-making often relies on thinking about your household like a firm.   – Emily Oster

In many spheres of human endeavor, from science to business to education to economic policy, good decisions depend on good measurement. – Ben Bernanke

How to Decide?

Consistently making good decisions is a prerequisite of leading a balanced and effective life. Logically, knowing how to decide will improve our consistency. Whether working alone or in a group, all decisions fall into one of two categories:

• those we need to make instantly and
• those we can make at some time in the future.

Individuals and groups tend to get into trouble when they mix the two.

Haste Makes Waste

We often rush to decisions based solely on emotions which can lead to trouble. Haste often makes waste. As King Solomon stated, “Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.” Pro 29:20 (NIV). Hasty decisions are usually based on gut feel—on emotions. We have found that our emotions play a vital role most decisions, but should be the primary source of information only in situations that mandate immediate action such as during emergencies and other quickly evolving scenarios—sports, near misses on the freeway, and so forth.

Seek Logic and Guidance

Otherwise, we do better to take our time, consult reason and when possible trusted advisors. “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” Pro 11:14 (NLT). Consistently making good decisions requires that we employ parallel and organized thinking processes—most often applying logic and reason before emotions. When necessary we use tools such as decision matrices, silent brainstorms, and team problem-solving (see VerAegis Contribution). Finally, we apply an appropriate level of gut feeling.

Personal Investigation

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Making sound decisions is vital to achieving goals, is a crucial element of the change management process, and is essential to achieving your vision and mission (the transformation of your world as it is today into what you desire it to become).

1. Have you ever said anything in the heat of the moment that you wished you could take back? Why did you respond so quickly? What could you have done differently?
2. When participating in a conversation, have you considered that each time you respond you are making a decision? Describe whether or not you are quick to listen and slow to speak.

Adapted from VerAegis Relationships, VerAegis Contribution, and VerAegis Spirit.

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