Deal or No Deal: Making Good Decisions

     No matter where you work and what you do the aptitude to make sound decisions is critical for your career and ability for future advancement. 

     This week Promotional Consultant Today will look at ways to help you make sound decisions, regardless of the situation.

Getting Prepared

     Every day we are confronted with decisions that affect our lives. Without effective decision-making skills and strategies even the most talented and brilliant people can experience crushing disappointments. 

     When a crisis occurs or tough choices need to be made, the ability to make accurate judgments is essential. At times the choice is between two defined alternatives. At other times there are many alternatives. 

sponsored by:
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

TOP SHELF TIP NO. 130

"The summer night is like a perfection of thought."

Wallace Stevens, American Modernist poet, 1876-1955

Deal: Analysis

     At the heart of good decision-making is the ability to conduct proper analysis. Many decision-makers rely on options rather than facts. We are often plagued with inconsistent messages and incomplete data.

      Another issue is the problem of self-serving bias. Managers will often listen to the people who share a common viewpoint and disregard information that conflicts with their position.

No Deal: Bad Data                                  

     A recent Harris Interactive survey found 75 percent of workers made business decisions that were later determined to be wrong due to faulty data. The survey recounted that 94 percent of U.S. workers trusted their data, and did not seek additional sources when making a decision. 

     Workers admitted to making bad decisions on information that was inaccurate, incomplete or contradictory.

     Source: Deanne DeMarco, MA, RCCI, is an award-winning trainer and certified business coach. She is also the author of several books including Pocket Resouce: Coaching Tips and Speaking of Success.