Effective Decision-Making: Shifting Your Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Flawed Approach to Decision-Making
In the past, whenever I encountered a decision, my first instinct was to ponder:
What should I do?
This solitary quest for answers often led to misguided choices. Lacking the wisdom of others, I found myself making decisions that resulted in frustration and closed-mindedness. As expected, one poor choice often led to another.
Section 1.1: A New Perspective
After years of making less-than-optimal choices, I stumbled upon a more effective approach. I developed a series of questions designed to redirect my thought process. This sequence aims to reposition us at a more advantageous starting point, facilitating better decision-making and uncovering solutions.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Guiding Questions
The first question to consider is, “Who can assist me?”
Someone within your circle, or even a connection of theirs, has likely navigated a similar decision or challenge. Tackling it alone often means overlooking valuable insights and increasing risk. Starting with “who” compels us to clarify our decision and articulate our challenges.
Next, inquire, “How did you manage it?”
Learning about their problem-solving journey, including the small decisions and lessons learned along the way, can save you both time and frustration.
Then, ask, “How would you handle it now?”
Their accumulated experience may bring unexpected clarity to your own situation, helping you identify solutions.
The fourth question is, “When is the right time to act?”
Timing can be the trickiest element of decision-making. Understanding when they chose to act—or hold back—can reveal how timing can work in your favor.
Lastly, when needed, ask, “Who else might help us?”
Tapping into their network can yield surprising insights and save time in the long run. The answers you receive might genuinely astonish you.
Finally, if necessary, ask, “What should I do?”
The wisdom gained from others’ experiences often illuminates the path forward.
Chapter 2: The Power of 'Who'
Starting your decision-making process with “who” opens up a world of possibilities and creates new opportunities.
It expands your network and broadens the potential solutions available. It fosters relationships and invites collaboration.
How might our decisions and their outcomes evolve in the years to come if we begin with “who”?
Explore effective strategies for making decisions and learn from others' experiences in this insightful video.
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