We need to think in a systematic, scientific way about the broad course of the proposed action, weigh the pros and cons judiciously, make informed decision and then, launch into action…
Digital Desk: It is said, “Thinkers cannot be doers”.
I beg to differ.
In fact, life doesn’t admit of any kind of black and white, we all live and thrive in the blurred boundaries of grey.
It is necessary to think deeply before launching into action. How deeply, is again a question of balance.
We cannot afford to fritter away all our energy in the mental exercise of thought, which can, and does, leave one exhausted and over-whelmed- if not reined in with a good dose of caution.
We need to think in a systematic, scientific way about the broad course of the proposed action, weigh the pros and cons judiciously, make informed decision and then, launch into action.
In the organizational context, where the decision -making process regarding management of change is fraught with great implications, Kurt Lewin introduced the concept of Force Field Analysis.
It is a framework whereby we plot the driving and the restraining factors to proposed action on a scale and compare the scores on both ends. We re-examine the scores for a reasonable number of times, and go with the decision to act or not to act on a proposed decision.
That way, we are not victims of ‘Analysis Paralysis’.
We move on from day to day, taking better decisions at each step.
Thereafter, it is also a good practice to spend a little thought on the decisions taken, their aftermath, and the learnings inherent in the process. Later, after execution of the decision, we re-visit the decision to take an assessment of our decision-making process. We look out for things we might have missed to consider, or for clues to have made a better decision, and reserve the learning to make us more adept at future decision making.
For, what is life but a series of decision, a line of choices?
Whether it be what to wear, or who to work with, the decisions control the quality of our life.
So, don’t forget force field analysis. It’s a life-saver.
(The writer is a Senior Soft Skills trainer and can be reached at atifa@comeaspire.net)
-Atifa Deshamukhya
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