Decision making and

problem solving

Life Skills for Self Development

Chapter 13 and 14

Decision Making

• In its simplest sense, decision-making is the act of choosing between two or more courses

of action. It involves choosing between possible solutions to a problem. People use a

combination of logic, problem analysis, and intuition to come up with the correct

decision.

• Using a step-by-step decision-making process can help people take more thoughtful

decisions by organizing relevant information and defining alternatives. This approach

increases the chances that people will choose the most satisfying alternative possible

Decision Making Steps (pg 120-121)

Gather Information

Consider various options

available Short list Discuss

Reconsider Take stock of

the situation – be creative

Take action Keep an open

mind

Be responsible, have freedom

• Step 1: Identify the decision - Try to clearly define the nature of the decision. This first step is very important.

• Step 2: Gather relevant information - Collect some information before making decision: what information is

needed, the best sources of information, and how to get it. Some information is found through self-assessment.

Other is found online, in books, from other people, and from other sources.

• Step 3: Identify the alternatives - identify several possible paths of action, or alternatives. list all possible and

desirable alternatives.

• Step 4: Weigh the evidence – based on experiences/information, evaluate outcomes. Evaluate whether the need

identified in Step 1 would be resolved through the use of each alternative. place the alternatives in a priority

order.

• Step 5: Choose among alternatives - select the alternative that seems to be best one for you. You may even

choose a combination of alternatives.

• Step 6: Take action - implement the alternatives chosen.

• Step 7: Review the decision & its consequences - consider the results and evaluate whether or not it has resolved

the problems. If the decision has not met the identified need, repeat certain steps and take decisions.

Barriers to Effective Decision Making

• Too much of information or Not enough information

• Too many people

• Emotional attachment – getting attached to an idea

• Making decisions in a hurry

• Unwillingness to explore new possibilities

• Fear of responsibility

• Getting stopped even before started

Problem Solving

• A problem is any unpleasant situation which prevents people from achieving what they

want to achieve. Problem solving skills refers to our ability to solve problems in an

effective and timely manner without any impediments. It is the methods we use to

understand what is happening in our environment, identify things we want to change and

then figure out the things that need to be done to create the desired outcome.

• It involves being able to identify and define the problem, generating alternative solutions,

evaluating and selecting the best alternative, and implementing the selected solution.

Obtaining a feedback and responding to it appropriately is an essential aspect of problem

solving skills too.

Steps Involved in Problem Solving (pg. 125)

• Consider various options

• Ask other people for ideas (brain storm), if they are involved

• List out options

• Discuss the possible consequences of each option with the people involved

• Agree on an option that is acceptable to all

• Review the situation

Barriers to Problem Solving

• Stuck with only one option – not exploring possibilities

• Defeatist attitude

• Not discussing problems with anyone

• Passive attitude

• Pretend as if there is no problem

• Not accepting that there is a problem – ostrich attitude

• Believing that burying the problem will make it disappear – elephant’s approach

• Many solutions to one problem, hence confusion – octopus’s dilemma

• Shifting the problem to someone else in such a way that it looks like their problem – cuckoo’s egg