Decision Making Comments

Definition: Competence in decision making is the ability to confidently and decisively decide on a course of action after critically analyzing information, parameters and constraints. Informed decisions come from gathering information and viewing the choice from different perspectives. High quality decision making requires flexibility and openness as well as a careful evaluation of the costs and benefits.

Survey Questionnaires with Decision Making:
Survey 1 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 2 (4-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 3 (5-point scale; Competency Comments)
Survey 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Survey 5 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 6 (4-point scale; words)
Survey 7 (5-point scale; competency comments; N/A)
Survey 8 (3-point scale; Agree/Disagree words; N/A)
Survey 9 (3-point scale; Strength/Development; N/A)
Survey 10 (Comment boxes only)
Survey 11 (Single rating per competency)
Survey 12 (Slide-bar scale)

The statements below can be used in your self-assessment (self-feedback) or performance appraisal as examples to demonstrate your "decision making" abilities. Being informed, thinking analytically and critically will help you make confident, decisive and informed decisions. Having self-awareness and an ability to view things from another's perspective will help you make creative and good decisions.

Confident

I am confident, decisive, and resilient
I supported, encouraged or helped others to be sure about the decisions they made.
I am confident in the decisions I make.
I acted confidently in the absence of guidance.
I am firm in my decision and not easily influenced by the whims of others.
I am confident in my actions.
I was very intent in my decisions.
I remained calm when making important or difficult decisions.

Decisiveness

I made important decisions quickly.
I made decisions independently (without having to be told what or how).
I was responsible for making important decisions.
I took decisive action to address problems, following up with relevant team members and coaching them on how to improve
I remained decisive after discovering a mistake.
I made effective decisions autonomously.
I am not afraid to take risks that may yield significant results.
I focused attention on treating the causes of problems rather than simply addressing the symptoms
I took charge when in charge.
I responded quickly to tough "people issues" when dealing with internal or external customers

Analytical

Broke complex issues into manageable parts and organize them in a systematic way before making decisions
I carefully evaluated information before making important decisions.
I evaluated information before making a final decision.
Assessed the Pros- and Cons- before making a decision.
I made logical assumptions in the absence of facts.
I determined where actual results differ from desired results and makes necessary corrections
I balanced analysis with decisiveness in order to meet deadlines

Critical Thinking

I used reasonable assumptions and logic to decide between alternate courses of action
I effectively chose appropriate courses of action.
I examined relevant factors needed to make a decision.
I defered decisions upwards only when necessary and appropriate
I related and compared information from different sources to identify possible cause-and-effect relationships.
I declined bad ideas to avoid making poor decisions.
I made effective, practical decisions based on knowledge, experience, and judgment.
I uncovered critical issues to use as a guide in both making decisions and taking advantage of opportunities.
I improvised within supervisor's intent; handles a fluid environment.

Decision Quality

I exercised good judgment by making sound and informed decisions.
I made good decisions for the Department.
I made decisions that positively impact team/departmental performance
I made sound and timely decisions under pressure
I made good decisions even under conditions of uncertainty.
I made sound and timely decisions.
I employed sound judgment and logical reasoning.

Goals and Objectives

I do not lose sight of the big picture when making decisions
I stayed focused on the main objective when making decisions.
I remained focused on the immediate goal when making decisions.
I made decisions that supported the department's goals and objectives.
I decided which long-term goals should be met.
I maintained focus on the "big picture" when making decisions.
I decided which short- and long-term goals should be created.

Informed Decisions

Asked for additional information when making critical decisions.
I gathered information before making a decision.
I understood the issues, problems, and potential solutions.
I kept informed about developments and policy changes inside and outside the organization.
I am well-versed in company's reports and uses them to make effective business decisions
I made effective, practical decisions based on factual information.
I gathered and analyze relevant information about changing situations to recognize and define emerging problems.
I systematically gathered, analyzed, and interpreted information from a variety of sources
I help the Supervisor/team make effective business decisions by ensuring the correctness of Company's reports/resources
I know how to obtain accurate and up-to-date information about the situation or problem.
I made decisions that are based on available facts, existing constraints, and probable outcomes.

Includes Others

I coached team members individually when "poor" decisions are made and helps them see what could have been done differently
I sought input from key people who should be involved in, or will be affected by, decisions
I facilitated meetings with others to try to consider alternative courses of action.
I coached team members individually when "incorrect" decisions are made and helps them see what could have been done differently
I encouraged team to provide input on branch decisions when appropriate
I coached the team on decision-making, especially from a multiple-site-management perspective
I trained/coached others on how to make effective decisions
I included stakeholders in the decision-making process as necessary.
I developed and share effective decision-making practices and tools to further develop the team
I involved others in decisions and keep them informed of consequences that affect them.
I solicited feedback from others on the quality of my decision-making

Forward Thinking

I examined for patterns in data to help predict future possibilities.
I considered contingencies and their consequences.
I prepared for potential problems and opportunities in working toward desired goals.
I evaluated short and long term consequences when making decisions.
I evaluated the effectiveness of decisions and use this information to guide future decisions
I considered the impact and implications of decisions on others and on situations.
I anticipated needs for action.

Self-awareness

I learned from previous bad decisions and rarely repeat them.
I learned from my mistakes.
I effectively prioritized and organized myself and my workload.
I am aware of my own skills and abilities.
I accepted the consequences of decisions made.
I learned from the consequences of decisions made.

Different Perspectives

I viewed issues from multiple perspectives before making a decision.
I viewed the long and short-term impact of decisions.
I understood how different perspectives helped to make better informed decisions.
I considered the ethical implications of decisions.
I used data from different sources to confirm information.

Creativity

I made decisions based on novel interpretations of the facts.
I made creative decisions.
I formulated imaginative decisions.
I made creative decisions.
I recognized and generates innovative solutions.
I applied creative reasoning in making decisions.

Parameters and Constraints

I outlined the parameters influencing the decision making process.
I defined what constraints must be met for the decision making process.
I defined the parameters that will impact the decision making process.
I determined the constraints that may impact what decisions are acceptable.
I identified the parameters impacting the decision.

Flexibility and Openness

I am willing to change my strategy if new information arises.
I am open to the suggestions from subordinates.
I listen to others who may have different ideas.
I listen to new ideas from others when making decisions.
I am willing to consider information from other sources.

Costs and Benefits

Assessed the risks, benefits, and potential impact of a number of options when deciding a course of action
I determined the costs and potential benefits of decisions.
I performed a cost/benefit analysis before making a decision.
I weighed the pros and cons of decisions.
I understood what factors were important before deciding if a decision was "worth it"?
I developed alternative courses of action and choose the best course of action based on analysis of their relative costs and benefits.

Emotional Intelligence

I took into account the impact decisions will have on others.
I have a good rapport other people which is helpful in making decisions on the team.
I have enough self-control to avoid making impulsive decisions.
I am aware of the impact of decisions and informs others about potential outcomes.
I understood how my decisions will affect others.
I understood the importance of decisions they are making.

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