Responsible decision making steps
- 1. Who has felt like this before?
- 2. Responsible Decision Making Steps
- 3. 1. State the Situation Be sure you have a firm grasp on the problem. Ask yourself how the problem developed, who is involved (other than you), and how much time you have to make the decision.
- 4. 2. List the Possible Outcomes Think of as many different ways to solve the problem as possible. Seek the advice of others to come up with other ideas.
- 5. 3. Weigh the Possible Outcomes Consider the positives and negatives for each option. Is it safe? Are the risks reasonable? How will it affect me? How will it affect others? Is it legal? Could it lead to other problems?
- 6. 4. Consider Your Values Ask yourself whether each course of action is in keeping with your values and the values of your family and community. How comfortable will you be with the possible outcome, now and in the future? Values are your own personal set of beliefs. These come from your family, religion, friends, society, etc.
- 7. 5. Decide and Act Use everything you know at this point to make a decision. Remember that you are not perfect, and there are no guarantees. Once you have made a decision, you need to take action. Timing may be critical.
- 8. 6. Evaluate Your Decision Once action is taken, reflect on your decision. What was the outcome? Did it differ from what was expected? Would I make a different decision next time? **Not all problems will require a pencil and paper or such a detailed process. By learning the steps on easier problems, it will be easier to apply these steps when you need them.**