+267 75873295
info@gis.co.bw
ARE YOU A DECISION MAKER?
June 25, 2021
“Your life choices aren’t just about what you want to do; they’re about who you want to be” – Joshua Rothman
Are you a decision maker? Of course you are. If not for a major corporation or start-up, at least for your family or your own life. Do you want to get face-to-face with the biggest decision maker who can improve your life and business? Look in the mirror.
This article is dedicated to all our parents and students who wants to take charge by being a more effective decision maker, whilst providing you with the effective tools to help yourself and your child navigate the process and achieving this goal.
It is crucial for young people to understand this process to help empower them to make confident, positive decisions regarding the social, emotional and physical wellbeing for themselves and those around them as they move toward independence.
Being an effective decision maker helps any person make the best choices, but more than that, it lets you decide what the choices are and, in fact, what problem is being solved. More than anything else, it puts you in charge of your life. It is probably the most important skill for success.
So, why does everybody hate making decisions? You never hear anyone say, “Yay! I have a decision to make!” Decisions are seen as stumbling blocks rather than opportunities. The best way is to approach this process is to ask the following questions:
- What decision needs to be made,
- What are the options,
- Evaluate the options and pick the best one (pros and cons list), and
- Act on your choice and see how it works. And don’t be afraid to fail.
Decision-making is both art and science. There is an entire discipline of decision science. You can get a degree on the subject. Decision science teaches you how to maximize the expected value of your utility function. What does that mean? How does this apply to real people making real decisions?
Decision science often focuses on making a choice among alternatives, yet being an effective decision maker requires much more than this. This is where the art comes in.
- What is the most important problem to be solved?
- What are the alternatives?
- What does the future hold?
- What about all these conflicting goals?
To do this well requires both courage and imagination. Pep talks help, but specific tools and techniques are better. The secret is to strike a balance.
Here are 10 tips that will help you develop, strengthen and flex your decision-making skills.
- Know your goal.
- Never make decisions in a bad frame of mind or in a haste.
- Understand all your options.
- Visualize your future, does this decision benefit your long-term goal.
- Eliminate the unwanted. Making good decisions isn’t always about focusing on what you want, but sometimes about focusing what you don’t want but rather need.
- While aiming for the best, remember that it is not always your only option. Sometimes taking the lesser road travelled, brings you to great success.
- Don’t overthink things.
- Sometimes taking your own advice, is good advice. Imagine you are speaking to a third party that needs the same advice you are about to give ‘yourself’. Sometimes removing yourself from the equation, gives you clearer perspective.
- Look to others when needed. You can learn a lot from other people’s experiences.
- Always trust our instinct – if it doesn’t sit well with you walk away.
By no means can every tip teach good decision-making, however it is the perfect place to start!
To embrace good decision-making skills is to empower yourself and our younger generation, in making positive life choices as you navigate the challenges of life. So, make the effort master the art of decision-making.
Mindfulness is a great tool to help heal your mind and body. Read more about how to practice mindfulness here.
STEM education is the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Learn more here.
In the dynamic realm of education, technology plays a pivotal role in reshaping instructional methods and the learning experience at Gaborone International School (GIS ). From early childhood to higher education, technology permeates every facet of modern learning and unlocks diverse possibilities. 1. Early Computing Exposure: In the past, computer literacy was delayed to later schooling stages, but GIS prioritises early technology exposure. Even our youngest learners engage with educational software , mastering fundamental computer skills before literacy in traditional subjects. This early exposure not only equips them with essential tools but also cultivates comfort and adaptability in the digital era. 2. Online Research Integration: The internet allows GIS students to explore diverse subjects and access academic resources beyond textbooks. Platforms like Google Scholar empower students to enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills. 3. Educational Video Utilization: Platforms like YouTube serve as invaluable educational resources, offering diverse content across subjects. Supervised video viewing supplements classroom instruction, catering to various learning styles. For example, science teachers use YouTube to demonstrate chemical reactions, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation among students. 4. Robotics Integration: GIS' Science and Technology lab transcends theoretical learning, incorporating robotics for practical application. Students engage in experiential learning by building and programming robots, honing problem-solving skills across physics, engineering, and programming. 5. Enhanced Parental Engagement: Technology bridges school and home , facilitating smooth communication and parental involvement. Online platforms enable virtual school meetings, real-time access to academic reports, and effortless communication with teachers, strengthening the home-school partnership. In conclusion, technology has become integral at GIS , reshaping education and enriching the learning experience. From early childhood to advanced learning, technology empowers students to thrive in the digital age and beyond.
WHERE TO FIND US
+267 316 2230
Plot No. 37224 Block 8 Off Western By-Pass GABORONE, BOTSWANA
