Introduction
At one point in life, we are confronted by various situations which require making
decisions. These decisions are sometimes minor with minimal consequences, while others are
huge and life-changing. Moreover, some of the cases are simple, with obvious choices, while
others are difficult and requires a thorough research before making a decision. Decision making
is a life skill which must be learned by every individual because it is not inborn as it is a process
which is guided by life experiences.
Definition of good decision making
Most people associate the right decision with outcomes where the outcomes of these
decisions are considered beneficial and of low costs to the decision-maker (Hammond, Keeney
& Raiffa, 2015). However, good decision making involves following a decision-making process
rather than sorely paying attention to the outcomes. When a decision-maker pays attention to the
consequences, he or she is bound to face difficulties in determining all the results of a particular
decision (Schwartz, 2015). Furthermore, the decision-maker ignores the fact that other
uncontrollable factors control decision outcomes (Dholakia, 2017). Therefore, good decision
making involves coming up with an objective, conducting thorough research to weigh the
possible options, considering the consequences and making and evaluating the decision made.
An example of a decision made in the past
Three years ago, I received a job offer from a reputable company to assume the position
of a junior manager. At first, it caught me by surprise because it was a position which based on
my studies, and what I had seen from my previous job, demanded so much from an individual. I
had been an accountant for almost two years, and therefore, the new position made me scared
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and excited at the same time. I was afraid because of the uncertainties around the role and
excited because the new position came with more pay and also more status. I remember taking
almost a week to think and make the decision of whether to accept the job offer. After which, I
decided to write and send a job acceptance letter.
Three years down the line, I can comfortably say that accepting that job offer was the
best decision I ever made. Being a junior manager has provided with an opportunity to grow both
career-wise and as an individual. The company’s culture has, over time, made me thrive and
happy. Furthermore, the company has supported my long-term career goals by financing my
college studies and developing my leadership skills. My position also aligns to my values, does
not affect my social life, and gives me satisfaction.
Things to consider before deciding to take a job offer
When searching for a job, one may feel compelled to jump into the first opportunity that
comes their way. However, choosing to accept a job is serious because it involves time
investment (Gallo, 2012). Thus, one must thoroughly conduct research and be confident in the
decision made. There are several things which one must consider before accepting a job offer.
First, one should examine whether the job provides an opportunity for them to meet their short-
term and long-term career goals. Second, the benefit packages and the salary should be satisfying
and reasonable based on the market value (Gallo, 2012). Third, the company’s culture should be
one that makes an individual feel comfortable and motivated to work harder (Hammond et al.,
2015). Lastly, one must make sure that their professional values are aligned with those of the
employer. Additionally, one must understand the level of autonomy that the new job will
provide.
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Conclusion
A right decision is one which is made deliberately through doing thorough research,
considers all the relevant factors and is consistent with the decision-makers’ values, and another
person can clearly understand its basis. Additionally, the decision maker should be very
confident of the decision made in spite of all available uncertainties.
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References
Dholakia, U. (2017, July 09). What Is a “Good” Decision? Retrieved from Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201707/what-is-
good-decision
Gallo, A. (2012, March 26). Accept the Job Offer or Walk Away? Retrieved from Harvard
Business Review: https://hbr.org/2012/03/accept-the-job-offer-or-walk-a
Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (2015). Smart choices: A practical guide to making
better decisions. Harvard Business Review Press.
Schwartz, B. (2015). What does it mean to be a rational decision maker. Journal of Marketing
Behavior, 1(2), 113-45.