Solving Problems and Decision Making

A conscious or unconscious response to a problem or an issue. A Decision Is: A conscious or unconscious response to a problem or an issue. Making up your mind about what to do or say. Some are done without thinking.

Making Routine Decisions Impulsive Decisions Habit Emulation You do what most other people around you are doing. Creativity Default

Steps in Decision Making

Recognize the real problem and its importance to your life. 1. Define the Problem Recognize the real problem and its importance to your life.

Review your long-term goals and what you want out of life. 2. Establish your goals Review your long-term goals and what you want out of life. Review your short-term goals you have set for yourself. Establish new, additional goals related to the problem.

3. Prioritize Your Goals List your goals in order of importance Ones you want to accomplish most should be first Your effort should go towards your major goals Less important goals should be on a waiting list

4. Look for Resources Make a list of everything available to you that will help you reach your goals.

5. Study the Alternatives Make a list of all pros and cons to each alternative Keep an open mind Avoid letting personal prejudices become stumbling blocks Ask yourself the following questions:

Would I want to keep this decision a secret from others? Will this decision hurt anyone (including myself) either emotionally or physically? Can this decision have a negative influence on my goals?

6. Make a Decision If you are objective, you will be happy with your decision Decision making involves risks You may make some errors or create some conflicts If you follow the steps you will have good results

7. Carry out the decision After thinking through and making your decision, take action to carry it out. Can be a difficult step, but it is important Must make the effort to follow through

8. Evaluate the results of your decision Result of decision cannot be changed You can benefit from past experience by using it in your future decision Learn from mistakes as well as from your successes