Decisions, decisions, decisions — we make them all the time! The life we are living right now, is the outcome of decisions we made in the past. Our future depends on the decisions that we will make today or tomorrow. To put it simply, decision making can be defined as a choice of action in an uncertain environment. There are routine and life-altering decisions; individual and group decisions; short-term and long-term decisions; high and low-stake decisions, and decisions that can be changed as well as decisions that are cast in stone — the list can go on indefinitely. Those who are not allowed to make decisions are not happy about it, and those who are entrusted to make decisions may feel burdened by the responsibility. Decisions are sometimes made by scribbling on the back of a paper napkin and at other times with the help of massive computer programs. Some decisions need to be made on the spot — in the blink of an eye — with other decisions it is often recommended that we sleep on it. The scope of decision making is very wide, the process sometimes starkly complex and individual styles vary considerably. It is such a fundamental part of our existence and growth; however, many of us may not give enough thought to our approach to decision making — does my decision making need any tweaking or am I happy with it as it is? In order to understand our own style of decision making, we need to consider what are the major dimensions of decision making and where do we stand on each of the dimensions. Here are 5 important dimensions of decision making:

1. Motivating and
Influencing factors
Thinking and
Analyzing
Adapting and
Changing
Bias and Preference
Opinions and
Support
Five
Dimensions
of Decision
Making

2. Decisions, decisions, decisions — we
make them all the time! The life we
are living right now, is the outcome of
decisions we made in the past. Our
future depends on the decisions that
we will make today or tomorrow.
To put it simply, decision making can
be defined as a choice of action in an
uncertain environment.
Decision Making

3. Motivating and Influencing Factors
• Certain sounds, colour schemes,
imagery and smells make us feel
comfortable; we tend to lower our
guard, are more willing to listen and
are more agreeable.
• There are internal factors that
depend on our personality traits such
as being an extrovert or introvert,
risk takers or a hyper vigilant person.
Many retailers understand this all too well and design spaces accordingly

4. • In his famous book ‘Blink’, Malcolm
Gladwell argues that great decision
makers aren’t those who process the
most information or spend the most time
deliberating
• Many believe in thinking and analyzing as
the best way of decision making. Edward
DeBono says: “Conclusion is the place
where you get tired of thinking.”
Thinking and Analyzing
Do you blink or analyze the situation to death

5. Adapting and Changing
• Do you feel the grass is always
greener on the other side or do
you have a philosophy of ‘it is
greener where you water it’?
• Are you known for flip-flopping
or being stubborn, or do you
fall somewhere in the middle?
In certain cases cutting your losses and moving on may be the best choice.

6. Bias and Preference
• Based on our life experiences and
value system, knowingly or
unknowingly we may be making
or favoring certain choices.
• There is a tendency to selectively
collect information and data
supporting our initial biased
hypothesis.
No one is free of biases; however, if we are aware of this, we can consciously
guard against them.

7. Opinions and Support
• Decision making also often
ranges from making your own
choices to consulting experts
and/or trusted people.
• Some people tend to be more
independent and others prefer
to get as many opinions as they
can to help them in making the
final choice.
Make a decision that is finally yours, even if others helped you in making it

8. Conclusion
The most important aspect is that we
need to understand our style and if we are
not happy with the outcome of our
decisions, adjust it for the better.
However, changing our decision making
style on any of the dimensions, will need
the same or more effort as changing any
other deep-rooted habit.
Where exactly we find ourselves on these dimensions depends on our style as well
as existing circumstances, such as our level of stress, and recent experiences