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Indeed, hesitation is a serious problem that hinders the ability to make effective and timely decisions. However, this challenge can be overcome by learning and acquiring essential decision-making skills. These skills enable clearer and better-considered decisions to be made without hesitation or fear.
As necessary decisions typically arise from encountering a problem or facing a challenge, problem-solving skills are critical for making informed decisions. For example, the need to decide whether to stay in a current job or seek new opportunities often stems from encountering problems such as not receiving deserved advantages or experiencing conflicts with colleagues, among other factors.
The importance of problem-solving skills lies in identifying the underlying causes of the issue, followed by a systematic and impartial examination of each cause based on clear facts. This process ultimately leads to identifying suitable solutions and potential alternatives, including any anticipated challenges during implementation.
Emotional intelligence is linked with making accurate decisions. A deep understanding of one's own emotions and the emotions of others, coupled with appreciation and empathy, helps make clear and correct decisions that satisfy all parties. Emotional intelligence involves not only analysing and understanding emotions but also the ability to make sound decisions despite their influence.
For example, if a person asks a close friend for assistance with a project, but the friend is already occupied with several commitments, that friend’s emotional intelligence will guide them to make the right decision. This entails acknowledging and valuing their own feelings and needs while respecting those of their friend. In such a situation, an emotionally intelligent response would involve politely and wisely declining the request without hesitation.
Time constraints often force individuals to make snap decisions in both their personal and professional lives, which are usually followed by regret and the realisation that better choices could have been made. Therefore, mastering effective time management is crucial for making well-thought-out decisions without the pressure of haste. This skill allows for a thorough examination of all aspects involved in the decision-making process.
A survey by Timewatch, a company specialising in professional services software, polled approximately 300 workers in the United States and the United Kingdom on the importance of time management in the workplace. 83–84% of the respondents affirmed that time management helps them make better decisions and achieve their goals faster, while 90% confirmed that it increases productivity.
The following simple example provides a clearer illustration: When a manager assigns a project decision to an employee with a month-end deadline, effective time management becomes crucial for the employee. The employee needs to analyse all project-related data, explore all potential scenarios, and make a confident, sound decision within the given timeframe.
This approach is also endorsed by businessman and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who advises, “Don’t make the same decision twice. Spend time and thought to make a solid decision the first time so that you don’t revisit the issue unnecessarily.”
Logical thinking means being able to perceive things as they truly are, not as one wishes them to be. This clarity enables confident decision-making that considers all aspects, including pros and cons, personal emotions, and the emotions of others involved.
For instance, when buying a new car, logical thinking helps make the right decision without hesitation. The buyer can easily choose the most suitable option by making a realistic and impartial comparison of the specifications, prices, drawbacks, and advantages of the available cars.
Having a clear plan enables individuals to know their goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Such assurance helps one make better and clearer life decisions, avoiding confusion and diversions that could lead to undesired outcomes.
In the context of planning a career path and setting future aspirations, for example, using planning skills helps make informed decisions about one’s career trajectory, including selecting optimal college majors and exploring available job opportunities.
[1] betterup.com, Essential decision-making skills to guide your tough choices
[2] zippia.com, THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION-MAKING SKILLS (WITH EXAMPLES)
[3] theknowledgeacademy.com, 10 Decision-Making Skills
[4] indeed.com, What are Decision-Making Skills and How to Improve Them
[5] brightnetwork.co.uk, Decision-making skills: Definitions & examples
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