Decision making

A decision-making process can help you solve problems and make good decisions about your study, career and life. There are 7 key steps.

1. Understand the problem

You will do a much better job of solving a problem if you have a good understanding of what it is. You need to see the whole picture, as well as the details. Is there more than one problem here? Or are several problems really just parts of one broader problem?

2. Collect information

You need to collect all the information that will help you make a good decision. Take the time to think things through and talk to people who might be able to help you do this.

If you were planning your career you might consider your:

  • Health and physical qualities
  • Personality and emotional qualities
  • Interests
  • Academic ability
  • Work experience
  • Financial and social status needs
  • Values and beliefs

You could find out about the demand for this kind of work. How much will you be paid? What education or training will you need to do? You might also talk to your parents, teachers, friends or a careers counsellor.

3. Consider the information

You need to think about the information you have collected. Put it all together, but think about each item separately too. Weigh up the information. Are some issues more important to you than others?

4. Identify your options

What is the best option, after weighing up all the information? What is the second best option? What are the pros and cons of each option?

5. Make plans

Now is the time to make your plans. What do you need to do to put your decision into action? What steps should you take?

6. Take action

In this step, you take action on the plans you made in step 5.

7. Review and adjust

How are things going? Does the decision still feel right? Are you acting on the plans you made? If not, why not? Do you have new information now that changes things? Has the problem changed?

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