Decision Making Through THE Critical Thought Process
Great leaders are often the result of great decisions. Decision making is a human cognitive process that is often completed many times a day. However, hard decisions are the result of analyzing the problem and choosing one option over an alternative. The decision could be the difference between a company being profitable or, in the emergency field, lead to cascading events that could be catastrophic. To decide on the hard problems or issues, there are many variables. To decide, some will use the critical thought process.
The person making the decision will often use the critical thought process to decide. Critical thinking is the process of conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, and evaluating information gathered based on experiences, observations, or interactions. The critical thought process is a developed skill based on education, training, and experiences. It can also be a collective process of individuals to develop a solution to problems and act on that decision as a solution (team). The critical thought process of an issue will allow one (or a team) to form a judgment. Ultimately, this will lead to the decision making. However, a great decision maker will make a decision that is the best for the group or team. Great leaders approach decision making differently than others.
Great leaders make decisions based on the critical thought process because they have the experience, education, and training in that particular area. This is not to say they have all the information, but they use their resources and collectively decide based on input from other leaders of smaller units, subject matter experts, or the rest of a team’s or group’s input. This allows for the inclusion of everyone within the team. The leader is not biased and looks out for the greater good over himself. The leader puts the mission or goal first, then the team, then himself. The team has more to offer than itself. The team should be diverse, bringing different aspects, strategies, and tactics to the table. They often will have more information. The leader is an active listener. If the leader allows the team to come up with the solutions and then they make the decisions, it holds the whole team responsible and accountable. More so, it gives the leader ownership of the decision. When the leader has the ultimate decision, the leader can adapt and overcome any obstacles based on the input of the team. A leader who knows the strengths and weaknesses of the team will be set up for success by putting the right people in the right positions.
Poor leaders will often make decisions based on themselves. Those poor leaders make decisions based on lack of information, arrogance, misinformation, and miscommunication. They are often looking out for themselves and what will make them look good or help them advance. When the decision is poor, they will be the first to blame others, but when it is successful, they will be the first to take praise. Poor leaders also may not have the experience, education, or training to be in the position they are in and ended up there by other means.
Decision making can differ based on position within a company. Everyone can be a leader in their own right. Some decisions are more important than others and often will be moved up and down the chain of command. A decentralized command structure will lead to trusting the subordinates who are in leadership roles to make decisions they think is best for the company. A centralized command structure will lead to micromanaging and decision making by one or few at the top of the command structure. The only caveat is when an important decision must be made, when one does not think they are in a position to make it, and when time is of the essence or lives are at risk.
This leads to people making decisions based on position or authority. Many great leaders are not in positions of authority or responsibility. Others are in positions of power or authority but are poor leaders or bad bosses. Of course, there are great leaders in positions of power or authority and poor leaders staying in their lane as subordinates. Some leaders end up in these positions of authority and responsibility for various reasons—such as knowing someone, doing a favor, pay increase, or status. Poor leaders in these positions may not know better because they were never properly trained or educated or perhaps lack the experience. Therefore, the decision making is going to differ because leaders are going to resort to their knowledge and experiences. They may stay the course, not want to be questioned, be arrogant, or other reasons leading to a decision. Decision making should not differ based on rank or position, but the reality is, it is dependent on the person.
Decisions will alter based on daily decisions or decisions that are more costly, whether it be monetary, property, or lives. If it is an easy decision vs. a hard decision will depend on the person and situation. Using the critical thought process helps in determining a decision provided the person making it is doing so in the best interest. Decisions are often made on incomplete pictures or without all the information, usually under short- or long-term stress. There are many factors that would lead to a decision. A great leader will decide based on the information at that time and the situation at that time and make that decision based on experience, education, and training—the decision that is in the best outcome for all involved regardless of personal outcome to complete a mission or goal.
Chris Simpson
Firefighter
Philadelphia (PA) Fire Department
