Every decision we make is based in emotion. We decide to do/not to do something to avoid negative outcomes/emotions (failure, ridicule, embarrassment, shame, etc.) or to experience positive outcomes/emotions (accomplishment, pride, joy, pleasure, connection, etc.). Because of this, it’s important to insert some rational thinking into our decision-making process, so our emotions don’t get the best of us.

The Decision Style Profile (DSP)® focuses on five factors that impact decision quality and acceptance:

• Clarity – Is the decision maker clear about the nature of the problem? Has the problem been clearly framed?
• Information – Does the decision maker have all the information needed to make a good decision?
• Commitment – Is commitment a critical factor for successful implementation of the decision?
• Alignment – Is there goal agreement and alignment among those that have a stake in the decision and outcome?
• Time – Is there a degree of urgency around the decision? What are the opportunity costs (time and effort) of involving others in the decision-making process?

The Decision Style Profile (DSP)® also looks at five decision-making styles each with varying degrees of involving others in the process. Each style is appropriate in different situations.

• Directing – Decision makers rely completely on their own judgment and make the decision autonomously without involving others. This style is appropriate when you have all the information needed to make a good decision, don’t need others’ commitment, and when time is short.
• Fact-Finding – Decision makers identify specific information they need to make the decision and gather that information from key sources or experts, without involving them in the decision-making process. This style is appropriate when you don’t have all the information needed to make a good decision, don’t need others’ commitment, and when time is short.
• Investigating – Decision makers share the problem with key stakeholders and solicit their input and suggestions but reserve the right to make the final decision. This style is appropriate when you don’t have all the information needed to make a good decision, do not need commitment from all stakeholders for successful implementation, and when time allows.
• Collaborating – Decision makers share the problem with all stakeholders and solicit their input and suggestions. All ideas are heard and discussed together as a group to avoid confusion, but the decision maker reserves the right to make the final decision. This style is appropriate when you don’t have all the information needed to make a good decision, others’ commitment for successful implementation is important, and when time allows for gathering input from all stakeholders.
• Teaming – Decision makers share the problem with key stakeholders and solicit their input and suggestions. These key stakeholders share equally in the decision-making process, and a consensus decision is reached among all key stakeholders. This style is appropriate when you don’t have all the information needed to make a good decision, others’ commitment for successful implementation is critical, and when time allows for a group consensus decision to be made.

I hope that you can utilize this information to improve your decision making. Involving the right people can ensure you have all the information and commitment needed for successful implementation of your decision.

“Be decisive. Right or wrong… make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision.” – Anonymous

 “Decisiveness is a characteristic of high-performing men and women. Almost any decision is better than no decision at all.” – Brian Tracy