Decision Making Style

Re:  Self-assessment of decision-making style

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Based on the five basic decision-making styles I do not think that I abide to one style.  I believe I use the “thinker” and “controller” approach to decision making.  Thinkers are known to be the toughest to persuade.  They are impressed with arguments that are supported by data and when making decisions they need as much information as possible.  Thinkers are adverse to risk and like to take their time when making a decision.  “Controllers” are similar to “thinkers” in many ways in that they hate uncertainty and tend to focus on facts.          

I use both the “thinker” and “controller” style however; I use the “thinker” approach more often.  When it comes to making important decisions I want to know as much information as possible and I need to know all the risks that could happen.  Also, I do not work well when there is uncertainty or ambiguity.  I like to know all the risks and benefits upfront before I make my decision however I never make unilateral decisions.  I always like to talk through and weigh my options as well as listen to other perspectives.    

The best way for someone with less authority than me to approach me about a particular topic would be to explain why this topic is of interest and who it affects.  For example, if this request is coming from a staff member in my department, I would need to have as much information as possible about the topic, why it is important to discuss the topic, and how it will affect the department.  The staff member should be able to tell me the benefits and risks along with quantitative data to support his or her objective.  I would also need as few ambiguities as possible therefore, an answer such as “I don’t know” to a key component of the topic will give me doubts about the person as well as the topic.  With any important decision, I will need time to process all the information given to me.  

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