The assignment for this weeks Critical Thinking module directed me to the 'Mind Tools' decision making evaluation tool. The instructions were very explicit in the direction to input information based on what I actually do in my decision making process rather than what I think I 'should' do when making decisions. In following these instructions closely I was very surprised to receive a score of 66 which was just one point lower than that of someone considered to be an 'excellent' decision maker. In the past, I have considered my preference to include everyone who could be affected by a decision in the process to be a weakness rather than a strength. I have labored under the perception that a person considered to be a good decision maker would be clear, decisive and confident enough in their own expertise to be able to make decisions quickly based on their own great insight and ability to see creative solutions. In reading through the links …show more content…
This inclusive process can have its own set of difficulties such as managing personalities and taking a significant amount of time. It will not work for problems with time constraints but the amount of team support for the final decisions are worth the investment when conducted correctly. Although I often include many stakeholders in the decision-making process, I don't believe I have effectively used them in hindsight. Often we will come up with just a few options, many times supplied by the same strong personalities. I believe the tools of Creative Problem Solving and Value Based decision-making can help me become a more effective leader. Cancer and Mulej make a case for using creative problem solving