A632.1.4.RB_DiazBrian

From the moment we raise our heads from our pillows in the morning until the very moment we lay them down to go to bed at night, we are faced with making decisions.  Can I hit snooze on my alarm for the second time and still make it to work on time?  What should I eat for lunch?  If I start watching a TV show late, will I get enough sleep and make it through the next day at work?  These are all decisions we might face on a daily basis.  Hoch & Kunreuther (2001) wrote “The dilemmas of choice in the face of an uncertain and complex world have long been the focus of religion, literature, and philosophy” (p. 8).  How we reach our decisions can be based on our decision making processes, the amount of thought we assign to the possible outcomes, and our emotions.  I for one have been known to let my emotions guide my decision making.  I consider myself to be quite analytical about certain things but as I reflect on recent decisions, it is apparent to me that there is a more structured methodology to decision making.  For example, I would like to buy a new car in the next year.  I have been spending my spare time researching makes, models, dealerships, and financing options.  My intention is to make the most educated decision possible in preparation for this purchase.  But why am I only applying this logic in one area of my life and not the others that involve critical thinking?

In another recent example, I was faced with a tough decision to make.  I was working for the university as an advisor for almost three years.  I loved working with students, helping them with their issues, and working with them through graduation.  I was presented with an opportunity to apply for an open position in a different department but doing so would negatively impact my team.  One of the girls on our team was a getting ready to leave on maternity and if I was offered the position my team would be down two members instead of one.  With the amount work we all had individually, it was going to be difficult for us to perform our current roles with just one team member out let alone two.  I felt guilty about exploring this possibility because of how dedicated to my team I was.  The first thing I did was request a meeting with my director to let her know I was interested in exploring this opportunity.  She didn’t seem thrilled by the idea that I might leave our team.  I explained that I felt that I could further develop myself professionally by exploring this opportunity.  I spoke with a friend that actually worked in the department I was going to interview with and she was happy to hear I was going to apply and told that I would really love it.  I then talked to my wife about it.  I even discussed the matter with my mentor.  I then made a list of pros and cons.  In the end, I applied, interviewed, and was offered the position.  I have been training in my new position over the last few weeks and I am really happy about the decision I made.  One thing that stood out to me was some advice I received.  A fellow co-worker said “Everyone that is on your team had the same opportunity to apply for that position.  You made a decision based on what was best for you and your family.  You shouldn’t feel guilty for doing something that is a benefit to you.”  That really resonated with me.  

Hoch & Kunreuther (2001) wrote “most decision makers do not look more than one step ahead, and they do not appreciate the value of future options” (p. 58).  This was not the case in my last example.  However it is an area that I need to consider more in future decision making opportunities.  I don’t consider the future ramifications to the majority of decisions I make.  This is one area for me to improve in.  We learned this week that “There is nothing wrong with solving a new problem by starting with the solution to a similar problem” (Hoch & Kunreuther, 2001, p. 58). 

Being a parent is new to me.  When you have a child he or she does not come with a manual.  There are countless books you can read and infinite information available online but until you have a child for yourself, you never truly know what to expect.  It is on the job training.  Luckily, my wife and I were able to rely on family and friends to guide us with our first born.  By using their experiences and comparing them to our own we were able to base a lot of our decisions based on their challenges.  Using analogies is a great way to gleam how one might go about solving problems. 

When I was young I was pretty reckless, irresponsible, and nonchalant about my attitude.  I didn’t give much thought to the things I did and whether those decisions were right or wrong.  Boy, did I ever do a lot of things wrong!  However, something really good came from making all of those mistakes.  It taught me to make better decisions and fewer avoidable errors.  In my personal life I now base my decisions on how they will impact my family.  I no longer smoke because my family relies on me.  I owe it to them to be as healthy as possible so that I can provide for them.  I also tease my wife and tell her I want to be around a really long time just so that I can continue to drive her crazy J. 

I used to be afraid to ask for advice and feedback from others.  I was doing myself a disservice by not asking for help.  It might have been because I felt embarrassed by not having the answer or by not knowing how to perform a specific task.  Today, I don’t hesitate to ask for help when I need it.  I have been fortunate enough to work on some really great teams with co-workers that were there to lend an ear and provide feedback.  In my case, it was fear that initially kept me from asking for help.  Fortunately, I am no longer in that position.  I think it’s invaluable to be able to rely on others for help when making difficult decisions.

Moving forward I plan to give more consideration to the effect my decisions have on the future.  I plan to apply the same critical thinking process I use for purchasing big items as I would for challenges that might arise in my organization or my personal life.  I will evaluate the implications my decisions will have if I make an error however I will be cognizant to still use as much feedback as possible to reduce any errors I might make.

Hoch, S. J., & Kunreuther, H. C. (2005). Wharton on making decisions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.