Multiple Choice Decisions Frame the Outcomes
Remember the last test you took? Did it include multiple choice answers? Multiple choice decisions make the assumption that the best answer is inclusive, is it?
Decision making is often much more complex than people realize and critical thinking plays an important role.
Make a list of pros and cons.
Let’s do a fish bone diagram to make sure we understand the root cause.
We need a brainstorming session.
The truth of it is, all of those may have value but only when you are operating within the correct frame.
In school, I often liked the short answer test questions. I often felt that I could express my reasoning and logic better, demonstrating that I had a grasp of the material. It didn’t always work.
As people we tend to want to fill in the blanks. When we don’t understand an action or behavior, we often fill in the blanks for a reason why.
The boss wouldn’t make eye contact, she must not have liked my question.
John was late for the meeting this morning. He must have overslept.
Cindy didn’t answer my email, she must not agree with my suggestion.
When something doesn’t seem to fit, we come up with a reason why.
Multiple Choice Decisions
In the workplace, meetings are held. Some are informational. In these meetings the information tends to flows in only one direction.
Other meetings are for problem solving. The idea is often about creating solutions.
Be mindful of the solutions generating meeting (problem solving) that is delivered with multiple choice options. Is the best possible answer in the group of suggested solutions?
People are directed each day, or not, by the frame in which they operate.
Sometimes what happens next should not be driven by the list of recommended choices.
That is what we often call, “Being framed.”
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
