This document provides strategies for decision making, including majority rule, consensus rule, and identifying the decision to be made. It advises considering options by writing down pros and cons, reflecting before deciding, making deadlines when needed, envisioning outcomes, not rushing decisions, and seeking advice from others. Key steps outlined are to clarify the problem, consider options by identifying consequences, and choose the best decision.

4. All of us are faced to make decisions each
day. From simple ones like deciding
whether to eat rice or oats for breakfast, to
more complicated ones like deciding
whether to finish a project and meet the
deadline or playing online games to win
over co-gamers. Deciding is not always a
walk in the park. Here are a few known
strategies that will help you in decision-
making.

7. Majority Rule – This is when a decision is the one that has the most number of support. Some examples
include ballot voting and a show of hands.
When to use it:
• Options are clear and simple and not likely to be misinterpreted.
•Group has discussed issue at length beforehand but can’t come together to an agreement.
• Group is on a deadline to make a decision.
•Power in a group is somewhat balanced, so all members’ voices are equally heard.
Consensus Rule – When a decision is made by a group as one. Everybody agrees on one thing in the end.
When to use it:
•Time is not limited and a decision is not subjected to be made by a target date.
•There are different perspectives but there is a common goal.
•People are willing to engage in numerous discussions to share ideas and to find solutions.

8. Identify what should be decided. This is the first step in most decision-making situations. What do
I do today? What do I wear for my class? Identification aids in narrowing down and solving the
problem at hand.
No or Yes. At times, problems and dilemmas are answerable by a simple yes or no. But often,
decisions must be considered well and it can take days and nights for a sound decision to be
made.
Find A Friendly Advice. Teenagers are often at risk of making poor decisions because they do not
seek advice from people, especially those who can help them. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask
for help from others such as your parents, teachers, counselors and friends.

9. Options are great weapons in making sound decisions. Write down the pros and cons and give it
a thought. It might help you in times of confusion and bewilderment.
Reflect. Most people reflect after making a decision but reflecting on a decision before it can be
made is a great idea. It’s not a bad thing to ask, sit down for a second and ask yourself: “Is this
the right thing to do?”
Make a deadline. Ideally, enough time should be given to make a wise decision but there are
instances when a decision must be made immediately such as when one decides whether to
accept a job or refuse it, or when one decides when to start that school project that is due soon.

10. Envision a situation afterwards. Close your eyes and imagine a scene after making a particular
decision. For example, when you buy an item that you want but is way out of your budget.
Imagine yourself paying off that object. Do you see an empty wallet? Do you think maybe it
would be better if you save up for it first?
Don’t be in a rush. Sometimes when we rush ourselves, we make rash decisions instead. Try to
let a day pass before making a big decision. Think about it overnight and make a choice later.

11. Real Life Situation:
CLARIFY
identify the problem /identify the decision
to be made
CONSIDER
dentify possible choices
dentify the positive and negative consequences of choices
CHOOSE
hat will be your best decision?