The Decision
Making
Process
Teen Living 2011
Get to the front of the
classroom.
 Heads + Heads = one step to
the left
 Tails + Tails = one step to the
right
 Heads + Tails = one step
forward
 Tails + Heads = one step
backwards
Steps to Making a Decision
EVALUATE
ACT
EXPLORE
BRAINSTORM
IDENTIFY
Step 5: Evaluate results of the
decision and accept
responsibility for results of the
decision.
Step 4: Make a decision, plan
and act on the decision.
Step 3: Explore and evaluate
possible solutions.
Step 2: Brainstorm possible
solutions.
Step 1: Identify the problem.

Josh is a senior at the local high school and is
the starting pitcher on the baseball team.
During a recent game Josh was sliding into
second base and sprained his MCL. After
spending some time in the trainers office Josh
is advised to take it easy the next week at
practice and if his knee gives him any trouble
he will need to sit out the next game that
happens to be against the school’s rival. The
day before the game Josh falls on his knee and
hurts it once more. Because he knows that the
trainer will make him sit out in tomorrow’s
game Josh decides not to tell the trainer.
Against his teammates protest Josh heads for
home. What do you think Josh should do?
My Decision
 Step 1: Identify the Problem
 Spell it out as clearly as possible
 Step 2: Brainstorm Possible Solutions
 Get all the options out on the table
 Look for options never before considered
 Step 3: Explore & Evaluate Possible Solutions
 What is the likely outcome of each proposed solution
 Step 4: Make a Decision & Act on the Decision
 Plan out the steps and do it
 Step 5: Evaluate Results & Accept Responsibility for the
Decision
 Take the time to reflect and learn from what went well,
what didn’t go well and what unexpected results
occurred
Decision-Making Strategies


Spontaneity: choosing the first
option that comes to mind;
giving little or no consideration
to the consequences of the
choice.
Compliance: going along with
family, school, work, or peer
expectations.

Procrastination: postponing
thought and action until
options are limited.

Accumulating so much
information that analyzing the
options becomes
overwhelming.

Intention: Choosing an option
that will be both intellectually
and emotionally satisfying.

Desire: Choosing the option
that might achieve the best
result, regardless of the risk
involved.

Avoidance: Choosing the
option that will bring some
success, offend the fewest
people, and pose the least
risk.

Synthesis: Choosing the
option that has a good chance
to succeed and which you like
the best.
What influences your
decisions?