Decision-Making Models

The first decision making model I found was called "The 7 Step Decision Making Model".  It's purpose is to help people make a career choice or decide what to do with a job offer.

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• 7 Step Decision Making Model: 
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• Identify the decision to be made - exactly what are you trying to decide?

• Know yourself - what are your strengths, weaknesses, skills, values and interests

• Identify options - list the various choices so far
• Gather information and data - about each alternative
• Evaluate options that will solve the problem, pros, cons and risks of each alternative
• Select the best option- may be necessary to loop back and gather more info
• Develop a plan of action - and implement it!

Another model is called the SWOT analysis.  It's purpose is to analyze these aspects of a company or organization: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.  This model helps companies decide weather they are ready to take on an opportunity that presents itself.  If their strengths are greater than their weaknesses, or if the opportunity is greater than the threats, then the company should take advantage of the opportunity.

I like the Seven Step Decision Making Model for deciding on careers, but for everyday decisions that must be made, I would have to say the GREAT decision making model is the best way to go.  GREAT stands for:

Give thought to the problem

Review your choices

Evaluate the consequences of each choice

Asses & choose the best choice

Think it over afterward

I like this model over the other two models because it incorporates a model that I use every so often, Pros & Cons, but goes further by suggesting to talk it over with a parent and thinking over your decision after it has been implemented.  Not only can this model be used on a personal level, but can be used for other decisions as well.  However, for choosing a career, I would prefer to use the Seven Step Model because it requires research, a very important aspect to deciding a career.