Lesson Two - Decision Making

Place this drawing on the board and discuss in small groups

All of us are faced with decisions, one right after the other. Some are simple and take little thought. They are so routine that we automatically move toward a choice. Examples: where to eat lunch, which shoes to wear, who to sit next to. Others are more difficult. Some decisions are split second while others require deep thought and careful scrutiny.

Some situations do not require that a decision be made. Allowing “the dust to settle” and equilibrium in emotions to reestablish themselves may resolve issues without further action.

The following activities provide two ways of improving decision making skills. In the first, careful reflection of options and choices is used. In the second, looking at how thinking occurs and what problem solving techniques we use may be useful.

Activity:

1. Review “Choose It” for clues to effective decision making.
   

2. With a partner, take a decision and break it down, using the Venn diagram method.
   1. Discuss the pros, the cons.
      
   2. Determine an appropriate action plan.
      
   3. Finalize your planning by setting up a time line

3. Thought Organizers provides a number of ways to organize choices and relationship. Review each of the eleven models. Provide a sample situation which illustrates each kind of thinking. Share how frequently you use them. Are there any which are unused? Consider adding some of the thought patterns to your personal decision making strategies.

A friend comes to you to share difficulty with a relationship. Mentor this person, sharing some of the decision making tools.

Materials:

1. Choose It
   
2. Decisions
   
3. Thought Organizers

Go on to Assignment 3
or
Go back to Supportive Discipline

E-mail J'Anne Ellsworth at Janne.Ellsworth@nau.edu

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