Pros and cons of different decision making styles

If you completed the previous task, you may have identified that you have a preference for using particular styles of decisions. Alternatively, you might have seen that you use a variety of different styles, or rely on a particular decision making style for different types of decisions that you make. This is perfectly natural.

 

It is worth noting however, that for each decision making style, there are associated advantages or disadvantages.

 

To explore these, try completing the exercise below. Fill in what you think are the associated advantages and disadvantages for each decision making style. It should take 3 - 5 minutes to complete.

To sum up

Reflecting upon past decisions  you have made will help you to assess your own decision making ‘habits’ or preferences - and the impact of these. It’s perfectly natural to use a variety of different styles but being aware of different approaches to decision making and most importantly selecting appropriate strategies for different types of decisions, will help you to make better life and career choices in future.

 

Here are a few examples of decisions you may have faced, or may face in future. Which style would you use for each one (Avoidant, Compliant, Fatalistic, Impulsive, Incomplete, Instinctive, Rational)?

• Deciding what to have for supper tonight
• Choosing a job
• Buying a house
• Choosing a life partner
• Buying a present for a friend
• Choosing where to go on holiday
• Moving to a new city
• Supporting a local sports team
• Volunteering for a charity

When making life decisions it’s important to have a well informed  approach, to minimise risk and take control over your future. Taking a ‘Rational’ approach can be a more thorough way to consider your future, but combining this alongside other approaches can help you to not only make a well reasoned, realistic and informed career decision, but one you’ll love too.