Some decisions are ours to make, and others are out of our hands. Understanding the four types of decision-making can help us put our energy where it counts.
There are times when we can decide on a course of action because we have some degree of control over the situation. At other times, the circumstances are out of our control. This is important to realise, because handling decisions well often comes down to being honest about how much say we actually have. One simple way to do this is to think about decisions as falling into four types.
Most of the decisions we face fall into one of four types, depending on how much say we have.
A Given is something in life where we have no decision-making power at all.
If you think about places like home or work, there are some ‘givens’ where we have no decision-making power and no input into the decision. For example, paying bills or turning up to work are things most of us simply have to do.
Input is where we have some avenue for input, but someone else makes the final decision. Applying for jobs is a good example. We provide our work history, references, and answers to questions, which are input. However, the decision-making power is still with the employer.
Negotiate is when each party has equal decision-making power, and you reach the decision together. Plenty of everyday decisions work this way, whether you’re sorting out shared costs with a housemate, planning something with family, or working through a task with colleagues. It usually involves some give and take, with each person putting their view forward and finding an outcome that works for everyone.
Self is where you make 100 per cent of the decision. You may, or may not, take into account input from others. For example, you most likely decided what to wear today without consulting others. Every day we make many decisions that fall into this category.
A ‘given’ is a decision that’s already been made for you, one you have no real say in. Say your workplace goes through a restructure and your role changes. You didn’t choose it, and you can’t undo it. Rather than putting your energy into fighting the decision, it helps to focus on how you respond to it. A change like this can take time to come to terms with, and talking it through with someone can help.
Sometimes we have ‘input’, but the final call sits with someone else, such as a manager, a landlord or an official body. Even if your input may not change their decision, it’s still worth making your case clearly and calmly.
In a ‘negotiate’ decision scenario, it’s important to consider the mutual benefit for all parties involved, ensuring that the final decision suits everyone’s best interests. By communicating openly and showing a willingness to compromise, you are more likely to reach a win-win outcome for all parties.
‘Self’ decision-making allows you to choose what factors to take into account and ultimately control the final verdict. It’s important to take the time to consider ‘self’ decisions carefully, as having the freedom to self-manage decisions includes taking responsibility for the consequences.
Sometimes we get caught up in how we are affected by decisions that are ‘givens’ or ‘input’ and spend too much time and effort trying to influence areas where we have no decision-making power.
So, when it comes to making decisions, we need to be honest with ourselves about where the decision-making power actually sits. It’s important to remember that there are some aspects of all our lives where others make the decisions. What we can always control is how we respond.
If a decision outside your control is weighing on you, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength.
MensLine Australia counsellors are available 24/7, and our service is free. Call 1300 78 99 78 or click the chat button on the right to access online counselling.
If it is an emergency, call 000.
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