Decision making

I have needed a new computer since last Spring but it was getting to the point where my indecision was nothing but SAD. I asked everyone everywhere – pc or mac? I finally made a decision to save money and the agony of a steep learning curve by committing to a pc. Then just before the trip to the store I simply HAD to ask on LinkedIn – pc or mac? Seventeen passionate mac users responded – enthusiastic, witty and articulate. The kind lone pc user didn’t have a chance against this chorus. It was as if the tribe had spoken.

This is my first post on Blanca – my new mac. I have included the image above named MISTY for three reasons. First, I am finally out of my fog of indecision. Second, I am learning how to do things without classes or reading my new 713 page OS-X for Dummies or calling the 1-800 number I paid to have access to. In part, perhaps, this is an ENFP thing but regardless why, my experiential approach leaves me wandering in the mist – finding my way. Third this is a celebration that I can finally add images again – on my old dinosaur- which shall remain nameless – it simply wouldn’t let me insert an image.

Grateful for the relief of action – indecision stifles creativity.

As an aside – I am open to best advice for Mac Lovers. Please leave your suggestions in the comments and I promise to read and apply what I can. Also I am curious if there is a type correlation with who uses what type of computer and why so if you comment and wish to include your MBTI type that would be interesting indeed. 

Psychometrics is the hub for MBTI in Canada. In the September newsletter Psychometrics Direct, Shawn Bakker writes an article on applying the MBTI functions of Sensing, Intuition, Thinking, and Feeling as a guided process for making career decisions. This sequence allows you to:

• Focus on the facts
• Identify the possibilities
• Identify the consequences
• Identify what is most important

Type theory indicates that each one of us uses all four functions in a sequence that is particular to our type. For my ENFP type for example, the dominant function is Intuition. The second function that comes into play is Feeling. This makes sense to me as I can see that I very quickly can see future possibilities and then I make a value judgment. These two processes close a loop in the decision making process – BINGO – I have decided. It takes compelling new data and thoughtful analysis to open that loop.

The interpretive report from CPP, the publishers of the MBTI, gives you details for your own sequence of preferences. You can see a sample report here.

For those times when you need to have a solid process to explore an issue the same process that Shawn suggests can be applied to other decisions beyond career choices. You may find it extremely helpful when a group of divergent styles and point of view needs to make an informed decision. The secret is in the sequence.

Start with Sensing in order to gather all of the data. Gather facts based on what your five senses can tell you about the present moment. Observe all of the details in a systematic fashion scanning the whole environment in all directions. While gathering data avoid making any conjectures about what they might mean.

In step two, use Intuition to see patterns, how things interconnect and what might be possible. Ask if the theories that you have put forth fit the data that you collected? A helpful question to ask is “What might this be?” What else?” You will want to cover all of the possibilities… expanding without zeroing in on any one assumption for the moment.

It is during step three, using the Thinking function, will help to try out different scenarios and test them with rational cause and effect analysis. Consider the consequences and full cost of each possibility that you brought forth in Step two. It is not yet time to allow your loyalties or habits to influence the process. That happens in the final step.

Step four brings in the Feeling function and involves seeing things from the perspective of everyone involved and how the end result will affect the whole. The values involved are the final measure by which we make a good decision. Which solution will work the best for all stakeholders?