Decision Making Styles will influence your decisions!

Man with a bullhorn Why are decision making styles important? In the process of making an important decision, using the wrong style can lead to disaster. Imagine a commander using a consensus decision style while in the middle of a battle where every second could cost lives. Alternatively, using an autocratic style for a highly complex strategic decision could cut off the decision maker from the valuable input of functional experts.

What's the hurry?

A critical balance must be maintained between how long it takes to make a decision and the time it takes to gather and analyze the information necessary to make a sound decision. Sounds like another decision... You bet. See these criteria for decision styles.

What about rational vs. emotional decision making?

Each has a part to play. After all, humans are emotional beings. The key is to find the right balance between the emotional and rational components for a decision. We have found that the higher the value of a decision, the more important it is to move toward a rational decision style. No one likes the negative emotions brought on by buyer's remorse, a clear signal that more analysis should have been used in making the decision.

So what does this mean for you?

Recognize that your decision style influences the effectiveness of your decisions.
Before you make a decision think about the style that would be best for the decision you need to make.
Build your decision making skills so that you are better equipped to make the decisions you need to make.

To learn more about common styles follow these links.

Collaborative Decision Making
A collaborative decision making style will generally increase the effectiveness of your decisions.

Emotional Decision Making
Emotional decision making is part of who we are and, when appropriately incorporated, this style can enhance the decision making process.

Intuitive Decision Making
When does it make sense to use an intuitive decision making style?

Rational Decision Making
An overview of the characteristics, limitations, and benefits of rational decision making.

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