Different types of decision making styles

There is a range of decision styles and it would be helpful for you to know which ones you are most likely to use – your natural styles.

Intuitive Style – Some people are spontaneous by nature and like to decide "on the spot". Experience and circumstances may sometimes support this type of problem solving approach. However, those who consistently use this style are – admittedly – comfortable with the "trial and error", or "hit and miss" approach.

Limited Procrastination Style – Not to be confused with never wanting to make a decision, this style involves the delaying of a decision until enough factors have been evaluated and/or enough time has gone by for the situation to stabilise.

Systematic Style – Involves identifying and evaluating each possible course of action. Of all the decision making styles, this is obviously the most likely approach for major decisions.

Individualistic Style – Some individuals prefer to research and arrive at a decision on their own, without any active input from others.

By Consensus Style – Applies to decisions that have to, or should preferably, be arrived at as a group.

What sort of decision?

Firstly consider the purpose of the decision – is it to solve a problem, or does it require creativity?

Problem Solving requires that you:

know something of the main aspects of the problem to be solved.
know something of the main avenues of solution.
collect information and evaluate each element of the problem.

Creativity requires:

open mindedness
willingness to explore any possibility, even if seemingly "far fetched" or ridiculous.

Then you can take account of the following:

The time available to complete the decision making process for a specific decision is probably the most important criterion in choosing the most appropriate style.

A critical balance must be maintained between how long it takes to make a decision and the time it takes to gather and analyse the information necessary to make a sound decision. While it is desirable to get the positive consequences of a good decision as soon as possible, more time usually leads to a more effective analysis of the available information.

Decision Value – Try to assess the value of a decision's outcome and expect to spend 0.5 to 2 % of that value in making a good decision. A higher value decision will require a more consultative or collaborative decision making style.

Decision quality – consider how far the decision should go beyond meeting minimum requirements. Expect to use a style that gets the wise counsel of others if you need to exceed known minimum requirements.

b>Implementation – If you need to involve people who will be involved in the implementation of a decision, adopting an inclusive style will build acceptance and commitment to its execution.

Impact on relationships can be influenced by the appropriate choice of decision style. Adopting a style that maintains relationships will improve acceptance and ensure that future decisions are easier to make.

Additional criteria

In addition to the factors above, the following criteria could influence your choice of decision making style. Prioritise these as appropriate based on the decision being made.

Constraints from the situation or decision environment
Personalities of those involved in making the decision
Information available that can support the decision making process
Options or alternatives that have the potential to lead to a positive outcome
The level of clarity available for understanding the needs of all the stakeholders or outcomes that will lead to a successful outcome from the decision
Bias or beliefs that may be effectively addressed through a choice of style
Complexity of the decision being made

So what does this mean for you?

Recognise that your decision style influences the effectiveness of your decisions.
Before you make a decision think about the style that would be best for the decision you need to make.
Build your decision making skills so that you are better equipped to make the decisions you need to make.