Sheena Iyengar discusses how we become paralyzed to make a decision when faced with too many options. She presented four strategies to assist us in overcoming what some may call analysis paralysis; when we become so overwhelmed by so many options that we can’t make a decision in fear of selecting the wrong choice. These strategies include cut, concretization, categorization, and condition for complexity.
Cut: Getting rid of the extraneous redundant options to improve the choosing experience is the focus of cutting. Iyengar illustrates this method by applying it to a business example when employees cannot make the distinction between available choices than neither can the consumer. If this is the case, then it is time to cut those choices as an option to a consumer.
Concretization: This strategy brings the consequences associated with a choice forward in a way the impact of the choice can be felt. For example, people spend more money when using a credit card as opposed to real money because the card doesn’t feel like real money.
Categorization: This technique involves categorizing all the options available because “we can handle more categories than we can handle choices” (Iyengar, 2011, 11:36).
Condition for Complexity: Sometimes we are faced with very complex decisions. We can simplify the decision-making process if we gradually increase the complexity. For example, going from low choices to high choices provides the same information and number of available choices, but simplifies the choices by changing the order it is presented.
Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with the amount of responsibilities and necessary decisions associated with all the responsibilities. I feel like I need to accomplish everything and it needs to be instant. However, I think if I make use of the “cut” technique Iyengar presented, I can lessen the burden I more than likely and unnecessarily place on myself. For example, some of the things I believe I need to do can either be delayed or simply cut from my “to do” list. Granted, some may view this as prioritizing what is necessary and what isn’t, but if it falls to the bottom of the priority list than I’m thinking it can be cut from it altogether. This will allow me to reduce stress and provide a better ability to focus on my highest priorities.
I can utilize concretization in my professional life to improve my decision-making ability. I am a Contract Specialist for the Veterans Affairs (VA) who procures medical supplies and equipment for multiple VA Medical Centers. Although I work very hard and am passionate about completing my tasks, I believe there is always room for improvement. My office is not located in the hospital and distances me from being exposed to the patients and clinical settings. I think if I take a walk through the hospital once a week, it can serve as a reminder as to why I am procuring the items and who it is impacting. This will allow me to better feel the impact of what I am doing on a daily basis.
An additional way to improve my decision-making process is to use a Decision Support System (DSS). This tool would primarily assist me in making decisions at work. While these systems can greatly optimize my results, I have to also understand that Decision Support Systems should be utilized as a complementary tool to human intuition because “experts excel where models fail, and vice versa” (Hoch, Kunreuther, & Gunther, 2001, p. 88).
References
Iyengar, S. (2011, November). How to make choosing easier. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/sheena_iyengar_choosing_what_to_choose#t-598990
Hoch, S., Kunreuther, H., & Gunther, R. (2001). Wharton on making decisions. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
No comments:
Post a Comment