D is for… Decision Making

What is decision making?

Decision Making is “the thought process of selecting a logical choice from the available options”.

There are many different decisions you may have to make: you may have to make a good decision, an effective decision or a difficult decision. It is important to remember that there is not always a right choice but the key is to have a method for reaching a decision and justification for making that decision.

Decision making is not a “skill” that is naturally thought of when you think of networking. However, it is important to remember that we often have limited time to dedicate to networking, so quick decision making, having the authority to make certain decisions and using your networking experience to inform business decisions can all be very important.

How can you demonstrate and develop this skill?

The importance of your decisions will depend on the role you perform, nevertheless, it is a useful skill to have as all roles require some form of decision-making. You can be noticed for making decisive and effective decisions. Quick and effective decision making can help you manage and improve your networking experience.

For example, you might want to make a decision on where to invest your time, what contacts to make your priority contacts, what networking activities are worth you following up.

When making a decision have an established decision-making practice that you can follow and that works for you.

A structured decision-making process should include the following steps:

• reduce complicated decision-making down into simple steps. Clearly identify the decision to be made
• Make a list of the possible solutions/options
• discuss the problems with others (if appropriate), get any necessary feedback and try to have a full picture by gathering the information together
• Have a deadline!

When making the decision you should:

• evaluate the risks
• decide on the values/items of importance
• consider the pros and cons.

Action Point: think about your own decision-making process – how are you making your decisions? Do you need to improve?

Skill Development Plan: Decision Making

Do an analysis of your decision making. Use your Career Journal or Networking Planner to run through the decision-making process and keep a record of it. Add a few examples of decisions you have made (or start thinking about what things you could put in your journal in the future). When you write an entry include details of:

• the problem (and the context)
• why you need to make a decision
• the available options
• the reasoning/justification
• the decision/outcome
• improvements for the future/learning points.

This will help you evaluate your decision making and any outcomes, as well as help, inform future decisions.

Further Reading:

• How to Choose a Networking Group
• Cold, Warm and Hot Contacts
• How to: Choose your Priority Contacts