Tuesday, June 3, 2008

How to make tough decisions

Dear Students,

If you have a tough decision to make, consider these suggestions from Dr. Barbara Varenhorst, a psychologist and Daralee Schulman, a career and stress management consultant.

  • Be aware that you can’t control the outcome of a decision. All you can do is control the decision-making process.


  • Start the process by identifying your wants and needs. Jot them down on paper-even if they are contradictory.

  • Rank the things you want and need. If you spot contradictory needs, ask yourself, “Which would I choose?”

  • Gather all the information necessary to make that decision. Look at alternatives, consequences, advantages and disadvantages. Don’t let your emotions interfere with this process. Be as objective as possible.

  • Determine how much of risk you are willing to take. Once you have done this, consider these strategies:

    - Choose the safest alternative , the one that can’t fail.

    - Pick the option with the best odds for success.

    - Select the alternative with the most desirable outcome, despite high odds for its success.

    - Picture how you would deal with negative consequences.

Be effective in making tough decisions !

Prof. D. P. Chattopadhyay

(Globsyn Business School)

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