As Americans, we are born into a culture where choices are
the norm. To be denied choices, no
matter how minor or significant the consequences of the choices may have, seems
unthinkable through an American’s perspective.
We are given almost limitless choices throughout our lives, from our
favorite toys, television to watch, products to buy, our marriage partner,
where to live, how to live, and everything else in between. Early in my Air Force career I participated
in a leadership course and one of my instructor’s would say a phrase multiple
times throughout the day, “You ALWAYS have a choice”. Such a simple statement, yet there is also a
deep meaning that goes along with it because it is tough to comprehend that we
always have a choice. However, that
statement holds true with few exceptions.
Applying that statement has allowed me to understand the impacts when making
a decision. Dr. Iyengar’s video on the
art of choosing delves deeper into the assumptions Americans have when making
choices. Specifically, she discussed
three assumptions: Make your own choices.
More options leads to better choices. Never say no to choice.
“Make your own choices.”
American culture believes that making our own choices is always the best
option. We think making decisions on our
own makes us more individualistic. Dr. Iyengar
performed an experiment where children from two different cultures (American
and Asian) were given anagrams to solve.
Some children were allowed to solve the anagrams how they wanted to,
some were directed to solve from the instruction of an adult, and some were to
solve anagrams based on what their mothers had chosen. The results revealed that the American
children did best when they were allowed to choose the puzzles and the Asian
children did best when they thought they were solving the puzzles their mother
selected. The results of the experiment
could possibly relate to education or intelligence, but it is more likely related
to culture. Dr. Iyengar sums it up best
by saying, “It is a mistake to assume that everyone thrives under the pressure
of choosing alone.” I could not agree
more with Dr. Iyengar’s explanation of this assumption. What works for one person, does not
necessarily means it works for another. From a
leadership perspective, when a leader is faced with choices, it is ultimately
up to them to make a decision on which choice is the best for the
situation. I think it is important to make the
distinction between choices and decisions.
Choices are presented, whereas decisions are made. Leaders are given choices, and they may have
to narrow the choices, but they have the final say as to what to decide to
choose.
“More options leads to better choices.” I have to agree with Dr. Iyengar in that more
options do not always lead to better choices.
This assumption is one I have pondered about in great depth. We are given so many options and have
accepted that having more options is better than not having enough. This may hold true in some circumstances, but
I have found when given too many options I become overwhelmed with making the
best selection. The pressure to choose
the best option simply becomes exhausting and I find myself wishing I had fewer
options. It was interesting to see how
our culture plays a part in the perspective of choice when it came to the soda
options. Not all brands of soda are the
same through my American eyes, but other cultures may disagree. For example, I see seven brands of soda as
seven options, where a different culture may see seven brands of soda as one
option. More options for a leader may
not necessarily result in better choices, but having more options may increase
the likelihood of a better decision. A
leader wants the best result from their decision and when given options, they can
weigh the pros and cons of each.
However, as options increase, so does the complexity of trying to figure
out which option is best to achieve results.
Having too many options, especially when a quick decision needs to be
made, can have a negative impact on any leader if they are not careful.
“Never say no to choice.”
Once again, I agree with Dr. Iyengar’s assessment of this
assumption. Usually when the words never
and always are used in regards to human behavior, the statements in which they
are used are rarely proven factual. To
suggest to never say no to choice infers that always having a choice is
best. Dr. Iyengar reveals through her
experiment involving American and French parents that not having a choice can sometimes
yield better results. Despite the same
events occurring to all of the families, it was astounding to see how the
American parents were much more negatively impacted. Dr. Iyengar believes that this was a result
of the American culture putting such high importance on the power of
choice. Consequently, the American
parents ended up consumed with guilt and sometimes depression because they had
to make the inevitable choice to end their newborn’s life. When it comes to leadership, sometimes
believing that there is no other choice is a good thing. For example, typically when reprimanding, leaders
may use the phrase, “you have given me no other choice but to...” Sometimes a leader realizes they have
choices, but the best option is to make a choice that may not be one they enjoy
executing. Successful leaders accept the
risk and responsibility of choice.
Lastly, Dr. Iyengar’s
experiment on nail polish further supports how there are many factors involved in
choices. Cultures, values, traits,
beliefs, interests are all some factors that come into play when someone makes
a choice. We have all been shaped by
something that effects why we choose what we choose. To her point, just because a product sounds
more appealing, does not automatically make it a superior product. As an American, I am no different in the
numerous ways I am influenced every day.
Despite these assumptions, I am still happy to have abundant choices, as
I would not want it any other way.
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