www.covenantuniversity.edu.

ng

Raising a new Generation of Leaders

DECISION MAKING SKILL

TMC411
Olujide ADEKEYE (PhD)
Department of Psychology
 www.covenantuniversity.edu.ng

Raising a new Generation of Leaders

Opening Remarks - Wise decisions are informed decisions.
What is good decision making?

Decision making is a key skill in everyday

transaction, and it is particularly important if
you want to be an effective leader.

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 What is Decision-Making Skill ?

wha

• The ability to select a logical choice from the

available options.
• The inner power that enables an individual to
identify and to choose a course
of action based on his/her values
preferences

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 Fundamentals of Decision Making
• Decision making is always a hard exercice.
• It involves some conflicts.
• Every alternative has its advantages.
• Every decision has its consequences
• Decision making skill can be acquired.

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 DECISION-MAKING-Many groups meet to solve problems or make decisions.

Standard Agenda: Developed by John Dewey. It deals with

reflective thinking which involves a careful, systematic
approach to a problem.

Groups who use reflective thinking to make their

decisions make use of a six-step guide called the
"standard agenda."
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 Standard Agenda
1. Problem identification-
2. Problem analysis-
3. Criteria selection-
4. Solution generation-
5. Solution evaluation and selection-
6. Solution implementation-

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The Final Decision: There are many ways that a group can make a final
decision, decide on a solution, or come to agreement. Some of the most
popular ways of making the decision include:

Consensus: The group members all agree on the final decision through
discussion and debate.
Compromise: Through discussion and readjustment of the final plan, group
members come to agreement by giving up some of their demands.
Majority Vote: The decision is based on the opinion of the majority of its
members.
Decision by Leader: The group gives the final decision to its leader.
Arbitration: An external body or person makes a decision for the group.
 Decision Making Process
• Identify the purpose of your decision. What is
exactly the problem to be solved? Why it should be
solved?
• Gather information. What factors does the problem
involve?

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 Decision Making Process
• Identify the principles to judge the alternatives.
What standards and judgment criteria should the
solution meet?
• Brainstorm and list different possible choices.
Generate ideas for possible solutions.

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 Decision Making Process
• Evaluate each choice in terms of its consequences.
Use your standards and judgment criteria to
determine the cons and pros of each alternative.
• Determine the best alternative. This is much easier
after you go through the above
preparation steps.

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 Decision Making Process
• Put the decision into action. Transform your decision
into specific plan of action steps. Execute your plan.
• Evaluate the outcome of your decision and action
steps. What lessons can be learnt? This is an
important step for further development of your
decision making skills and
judgement.

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 Biblical Principles on Decision Making

What are the possible motives driving my decision? All

the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, but the Lord
weighs the motives (Prov.16:2 cf. Prov. 20:9, 21:2)

How should past experiences inform my decision? Like a

dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly
(Prov. 26:11, cf. Prov. 17:10)

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Have I honestly considered the warning signs? He is on
path of life who heeds instruction, but he who forsakes
reproof goes astray (Prov. 10:17, cf. Prov. 16:25, 27:6)

Have I considered the possible outcomes for my course

of action? The wise woman builds her house, but the
foolish tears it down with her own hands (Prov. 14:1, cf.
Prov.14:15, 27:12)

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Could this decision jeopardize my integrity or hinder
my witness for the Lord? Like a trampled spring and a
polluted well is a righteous man who gives away before
the wicked (Prov. 25:26, cf. Prov. 10:9, 20:7, 22:1)

Do I have all the facts? He who gives an answer before

he hears, it is folly and shame to him (Prov. 18:13, cf.
Prov. 18:17)
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 Concluding Remarks
• “You are free to choose, but you are not free to alter the
consequences of your decisions.”
Ezra Taft Benson

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is
easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are
many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to
life, and those who find it are few.” Matthew 7: 13-14
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Thank you and Have a
Pleasant Week Ahead

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