ConceptsNest

Decision making  is a cognitive process leading to the selection of a course of action among alternatives . It is a method of reasoning which can be rational or irrational, and can be based on explicit assumptions or tacit assumptions. Common examples include shopping, deciding what to eat, when to sleep, and deciding whom or what to vote for in an election. Decision making is said to be a psychological construct . This means that although we can never "see" a decision, we can infer from observable  behavior  that a decision has been made. It is a construction that imputes commitment to action. Structured rational decision making is an important part of all science-based professions. For example,  medical decision making  often involves making a diagnosis and selecting an appropriate treatment. Some research using naturalistic methods shows, however, that in situations with higher time pressure, higher stakes, or increased ambiguities, experts use intuitive decision making

BEHAVIOURS THAT HELP LEADERS MANAGE A CRISIS The roles and responsibilities of business leaders have dramatically changed in the past few weeks. Before COVID-19, leaders in high-growth companies were focused on fostering innovation, driving revenue, and gaining market share. Today, many of those same leaders must make rapid decisions about controlling costs and maintaining liquidity . They may encounter unforeseen roadblocks — supply chain issues, team shortages, and operational challenges — that drastically alter the scope of their roles and priorities. All the while, they and their teams are navigating health and safety concerns, working remotely, and supporting their families through the pandemic. Those in charge will be tested in areas where they have not fully developed their leadership muscles, and the learning curve will be steep.   To move forward in a crisis, leaders need to cultivate some behaviours in themselves and their teams. They must decide with speed