MSLD632 - Module 1 - Multistage Decision Making - Madeline Campbell

Throughout this first week I have quickly learned that there is much more to decision making than just finding the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ decision. As Robert Meyer and Wesley Hutchinson put it, “As decision makers we are prone to be overconfident in our occasional successes [in decision making]’ (Hoch, 2001). As humans, we often make decisions that are not always optimal due to other factors, such as personal experience (both positive and negative), emotions, biases and stresses. In this assignment I will discuss a bit about my personal approach to decision making and how it compares to the 6 step process outlined in the 6 Steps to Better Decision Making article.
My professional decision making process has been honed throughout my last three years since graduating with my undergraduate. Previously I did not survey the entire situation or issue at hand before making a decision. Through trial and error, I now try to analyze every aspect of the situation before making a professional decision. First, I attempt to survey the entire situation and individuals involved. Throughout this, I attempt to take into consideration different personalities, communication styles and viewpoints. Next, I try to learn about the situation or issue at hand, by asking other colleagues their viewpoint of the story or issue. I never want this to come across as gossip or talking behind another’s back, so this step can be difficult for me. I often think through who I want to approach regarding the issue and I often review emails or text messages multiple times before sending them, as I think this step can easily come across as “negative” talk in the workplace, when in reality I am simply trying to get as much information at my finger-tips before trying to make a decision. Once I have the needed information, I often dissect the information. I try to think of the individuals involved, as well as the individuals I need to communicate with regarding the decision that needs to be made. Again, like the last point, this point can be difficult for me as I tend to over analyze issues and others may take my asking then certain questions, etc. From their, I often think of two (or more) way the conversation or decision could go, then I try to play it forward and see which may be the most beneficial for the department in which I work and for the individuals involved. My desire is for my colleagues, student workers and superiors to always feel respected and valued, therefore, this step can also take me some time. 
After reviewing Duncan Brodie’s article on 6 Steps to Better Decision Making (2017) I actually think my process is quite similar. I intentionally wrote about my decision making process before reading the article to ensure I was not subconsciously pulling information from the article. I fully assess the implications (step 2) and I heavily analyze different viewpoints and perspectives (step 3). Becoming clearer on my ideal outcome (step 4) is an issue that I struggle with. As one outcome can benefit  one superior, or colleague more than the other. I also spend a great deal of time analyzing the pros and cons, while gathering my information (step 5). Step 6 is one that I am not very strong in, as I get nervous to decide and act. I often feel as though I made the wrong decision or get nervous that I will upset someone or disappoint them. As the article stated there is not ‘magical forumale” wth decision making, however, I do know there is much area for growth within my professional decision making process. 
Optimal Dynamic Decision Analysis, as daunting as it may seem, boils down to two main steps. 1) Accumulate Knowledge. In this step, I would gather all the knowledge I could about the subject at hand. This may include business parties involved, individual employees or clients involved, etc. 2) Decision Policies. In this step I, or the organization, sets ‘rules’ for decision making in the future regarding this topic. That way, if this subject came up again in the organization, there would be a set method for how to handle the situation and how to make a decision regarding the situation (Hoch, 2001).


References

Brodie, D. (2007, November 5). 6 Steps to Better Decision Making. Retrieved October 19, 2019, from https://ezinearticles.com/?6-Steps-to-Better-Decision-Making&id=817450.


Hoch, S. H. (2001). Wharton on making decisions: Ed.: Stephen J. Hoch and Howard G. Kunreuther with Robert E. Gunther. Wiley.

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