As I am in the midst of a very long-overdue bathroom renovation with dozens of decisions, I have renewed empathy for my career counseling clients. It doesn’t help that I’m a Libra; we are known for indecision. This has been an agonizing process for me. After narrowing down paint choices and going in for three samples, I came back with a dozen more paint chips. How could this happen? Whether you are weighing a job or career decision, or some other life decision, now or later, I thought you might enjoy a little insight into your own style. Of course, your style can vary and be a combination, but likely you lean toward one.
As an indecisive person, I thought it would be a win-win to research and present a program on the topic at my professional association. (Note: I’m much better at helping others with their decisions than making my own, so please do keep those referrals coming!) I’m going to share a bit from the handout I had created for distribution, and happy to send you the whole resource sheet upon request which also includes the “Help” sections. Right, that’s an important part, but the article would have been just tooooo looong!
The following five decision-making styles were identified by Susanne G. Scott and Reginald A. Bruce. Their work is known as the General Decision-Making Style model (CDMS) which includes a related inventory. Although it may appear that some styles are more positive than others, individuals could have positive outcomes regardless of the style. Typically career decisions are most grounded and less risky if they involve a balance of factual information and gut feelings.
Rational: Prefer to gather and analyze information systematically. Make logical and objective choices based on careful review of available information.
- Potential Problem: Analysis Paralysis “I need more career information.” “I’m overwhelmed by the information.”
Intuitive: Prefer to rely on gut feelings and instincts. Make choices based on a quick, less structured assessment of the situation.
- Potential Problem: Not grounded in information. “I thought this was what I wanted, then I learned this.” “The career wasn’t what I expected.”
Dependent: Tend to seek input and guidance from others. They may feel more comfortable relying on external support and opinions.
- Potential Problem: Pleasing others rather than self. “My professor/supervisor thought I’d be good at this.” “What do you think I should do?”
Avoidant: Tendency to procrastinate or avoid making decisions altogether. May feel overwhelmed by decision-making and prefer to delay it.
- Potential Problem: Ending up rather than choosing. “I need to choose a major next week.” “It’s ok I was let go since I didn’t like the job anyhow.”
Spontaneous: Typically make quick decisions without thorough analysis. May rely on their immediate reactions, acting on the spur of the moment.
- Potential Problem: Going from one job/career to another. “I had to get out of that job/major, though it looked ok initially.” “I feel like a jack of all trades and no career path.”
I’m figuring you have guessed my style by now. A dear friend who has been on this agonizing bathroom renovation journey with me, sweetly joked: “Maybe in your next life you won’t come back as a Libra.”
