Decision Making

Life is full of phases, seasons, events or experiences that contribute in shaping who or what we become subject to our keenness. These phases don’t have a particular template for how long each should last. 

Navigating through these seasons is anchored on decision making.

Making decisions is based on contexts that require solving a problem, to either continue with a particular process or not and to respond with a simple yes or no. 

Consequently, what helps in making the right decision and why is it important?

“Information is power.” This is a common adage that transcends generations. Most companies whether research based or businesses that sell products or services, move mountains in search of data. Lately, acquiring more data enables an entity become aware of its position and refine what they need to offer to remain relevant and increase their growth. 

Nowadays, the value of information is premium. That’s why investing in mechanisms to source it is paramount for success in today’s world.

Cookies on the internet have consistently been viewed as intrusive and irritating. For instance, while online and busy mining for information, a good number of sites will obstruct your page view with a pop-up cookie bar until you click on the accept button. Unfortunately, some people will ignore the site and proceed to the next since there are many others offering the same information the individual is interested in. 

The basic function of a cookie is for survey purposes. It's widely used by companies to track the number of visitors searching for that information on the websites.  

Narrowing down to an individual level, the same applies when it comes to making the right decision. Life is awash with consistent challenges that require decisions as we wade through both the mundane and critical junctures of this journey. Accessing the right information either by research or consulting, strategically positions you to make the correct decision.

Consulting is what comes first in case you need to make a decision. 

It’s usually a phone call away or a short trip depending on whomever you are seeking advice from. Calling on someone who is older or has experience concerning what you are going through comes in handy by virtue of them having gone through your current predicament. 

It suffices to say, making some decisions will be unpopular, depending on the context and what's the common notion regarding the impending need. 

Access to a rare piece of information enables you to defy what is the common precedence which many might dismiss as a wrong decision. 

In most cases where the situation looks or feels daunting, you can find a solution by accessing the right information that justifies your decision.

Therefore, lack of information leads to bad decisions. 

Inadvertently, it may not be the lack of information per se, rather the right one. Beneficial decisions are at times difficult to arrive to, considering the type of information one is privileged to have. The more complex the situation at hand, the harder it is to make the right decision. 

Not to say complex challenges need complex information, but there are instances where problems have been solved by accessing the simplest information. 

The right information is what makes the difference between a good and bad decisions.

What we allow into our minds serves as a premise for our decision making process. Wrong or misleading information about certain aspects of life will inherently lead to wrong decisions when you encounter situations that demand its application. 

It's important to seek verified information at a basic level, though sometimes what is verified might not entirely be the right decision.  

For instance, a bank account is essential to facilitate transactions for a business in Kenya. But it's not a must. With the advent of M-Pesa, (Mobile money) it's possible to comfortably run your business without a bank account. In the process, the bigger the business becomes, the need for a bank account beckons. Some will argue, why not open a bank account for your business sooner rather than later?

The critical issue here is what’s the right thing to do at that juncture in order to enjoy maximum benefits?

Apparently, most people will suffer for lacking the right information. An exceptional doctor who has lousy relationships is not suffering from lack of information but the right one. As much as they are endowed with medicinal knowledge, soft skills or relationships that require intimacy demand access of relevant information. 

A mastery of information in a particular context shouldn't be a license to ignore or demean another on the premise of superiority or popularity. 

The doctor needs to invest in acquiring information that will enable them to thrive in that space of relationships which is different from medicinal knowledge.

Sample this; why are people sometimes jealous? 

Could it be the root cause of jealousy is lack of information for the protagonist? 

If you were to have the same information the person you are jealous of has, will it change your perspective about them? 

Delving in deeper, a comparison between two doctors; one will emerge better than the other, why? The preferred one has good soft-skills, good attitude, not arrogant, patient and accommodating. The other might possess the same attributes or might have one or two that's enough to make a difference.  All these have to do with information one may choose to access or not. 

No two individuals are the same. But when they have the same attributes, there will be little to choose between them from an outsider’s perspective. And jealousy will neither be a factor between them too.

Synthesizing all these, we can conclude, having the right information guarantees correct decisions. What about those who have access to the right information but still make wrong decisions? 

Then, it's wise to say that correct application of the right information leads to correct decisions. 

In conclusion, from the simple analysis; if everyone can access the right information in their respective contexts will we become equal and avoid jealousy? Even better, pursuing information not for the sake of competition to help you become a better you - is key. Sadly, there will always be someone with more information than you hence having an advantage. Rather than be jealous, attempt to access information that gives the one you admire an edge over you. 

Ever realized you will be jealous of someone you admire?