LIFE SKILLSUNIT 1, PART 3

DECISION MAKING

Making good decisions can be a difficult responsibility. Here

is a strategy to help:

©Jenison International AcademyMelissa Rodgers

I.D.E.A.L. DECISION MAKING

• Identify the problem

• Determine all possible solutions

• Evaluate each solution

• Act on the best decision

• Learn from your choice

IDEAL SITUATION EXAMPLE

Situation: Earlier in the day you made plans with your friend Taylor to go to a movie. Just now Charlie called you to hangout. You like Charlie much better and prefer to hang with him.

Step One (Identify) : what is the problem?

Told Taylor you were going to the movie, but someone better called.

IDEAL SITUATION EXAMPLE

Step Two: Determine all possible solutions (list a minimum of 4) – ALL solutions (even if they are far fetched)

1. Decline Charlie’s offer and go to the movies with Taylor

2. Call Taylor and lie about being sick, go out with Charlie

3. Invite Charlie to the movie also

4. Never show up to the movie and go out with Charlie

IDEAL SITUATION EXAMPLE Step three: Evaluate each situation with a positive(+) or

negative (-).

Go to the movies with Taylor (+ keep plans) ( - do not get to go out with Charlie)

Call Taylor and lie about being sick, go out with Charlie (+ get to do what you want) ( - lied to Taylor, could hurt the friendship)

Invite Charlie to the movie also ( + get to be with both friends) ( - Taylor may not want Charlie there)

Never show up to movie and go out with Charlie ( + get to do what you want) ( - make Taylor really mad)

IDEAL SITUATION EXAMPLE

Step Four - Act on the best solution: Ask Taylor if Charlie could join and then ask Charlie to go to the movie.

Strep Five Learn - Ask yourself did you make the right choice? What would you do differently next time?