DECISION-MAKING

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In this sessions, participants will learn and apply decision-making skills in a career inventory setting.

Category

  • Higher-order Thinking
  • Leadership

Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the importance of effective and analytical decision making.

Supplies

  • Decision Making Made Easy activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • Good Jobs for Me activity sheet—make a copy for each participant
  • Pen or pencil for each participant

Advisor Note

Text in italics should be read aloud to participants. As you engage your post in activities each week, please include comments, discussions, and feedback to the group relating to Character, Leadership, and Ethics. These are important attributes that make a difference in the success of youth in the workplace and in life.

Activity 1

DECISION MAKING MADE EASY

Give each Explorer a Decision Making Made Easy activity sheet. Have Explorers read and discuss the steps to decision making using the handout.

 

Provide a couple of examples of decisions from your own life that you have recently had to make. One example should be a routine decision, while the other should be a more significant decision, something that has a longer-lasting impact. Explain to the Explorers how and why you made each of these decisions. Go through the decision-making steps as listed on the activity sheet as you discuss each example.

 

Have Explorers provide an example of a decision they may have to make. Ask them if it is a routine or significant decision. Take their example through the steps of decision making as listed on the activity sheet.

 

Then have Explorers complete the activity sheet, using the steps to make a real decision in their own lives. Ask volunteers to share their decisions and the steps to get there. Have them determine whether it was a routine or significant decision.

Activity 2

GOOD JOBS FOR ME

Give each Explorer a Good Jobs for Me activity sheet. Ask Explorers to fill out the chart, listing four jobs they would like to have, why they would like those jobs, how they would get those jobs, and who can help them get those jobs.

 

Allow sufficient time for this activity. Discuss the Explorers’ decisions when they are finished.

 

Ask the Explorers to save the two activity sheets from this learning module for future reference.

Advisor Note

Some sample questions are below. They are designed to help the participants apply what they have learned to their own interests. You are welcome to use these questions or develop your own questions that relate to your post or specific focus area.

Reflection

Focusing Questions

  • What tasks were you asked to complete today?

Analysis Questions

  • What makes decision making so important?
  • Why are we often unsuccessful in making decisions?
  • What are some things that we need to take into consideration when making decisions?
  • How is decision making an important skill for leaders?
  • How might you use this in your potential career?

Generalization Questions

  • How does being deliberate and methodical impact career selection decisions?
  • What are some small ways that Explorers can practice the big habit of decision making?
  • How might you use this in life or in college?
  • Why is this important?
DECISION-MAKING ACTIVITY SHEETS