Before coming to your training, please do the following:
Decision making is the process of identifying and choosing among alternatives based on the values and preferences of the decision maker. Every decision-making process produces a final choice that may or may not prompt action. Decision making may be one of the skills that the associates you work with need to develop. Coaching an associate in developing decision-making skills is an important skill to master.
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Complete the “Choose Your Own Adventure—Decision Making” activity found in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 1. Give each group member a copy of the story, or refer them to the "Lesson Resources" section of the lesson. Once you have completed the story, discuss the importance of making good decisions.
Watch the video “Wrong Roads” (Mormon Messages, LDS.org). Discuss the principles taught in the video, the importance of making good decisions, and the process that can lead you to make good decisions.
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
As a group, brainstorm to create a list of decision-making steps. List the ideas on the board. Once you have created a process, compare it to the process provided in “Lesson Resources,” Resource 2.
In your learner's journal, create a list of decision-making steps. Compare your lists in small groups. Consider the following questions during your group's discussion:
Divide into small groups. With your group, analyze the case study found in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 3.
From the following list, choose and complete one or more activities that best apply to your situation.
Divide into small groups. Take time to work through the case study provided in the “Lesson Resources” section, Resource 4.
Some decisions are a matter of whether to make a change or not, such as moving, taking a new job, or buying, selling, or replacing something. Other decisions are about how to do something and may involve choosing one of several options.
As a group, think of a decision that an associate will need to make. Then, with that example in mind, individually work through the following steps for making a good decision:
As a group, review the above example of a scored pros and cons sheet. In the example, based on the weighted scoring applied, there seems to be a clear, quantifiable advantage in the decision to buy a new car.
Writing things down will help you to see the consequences of your choices more clearly and to become more objective, which will help you to make clearer decisions.
Finally, brainstorm ideas for how to coach an associate to use this same decision-making process.
Decision Chart Example
Ask for a volunteer who is working with an associate who has a difficult time making decisions. Remind the volunteer not to give the associate's name or other revealing details about him or her but to instead share general information.
Once the volunteer has explained the situation that he or she is experiencing, ask for two more volunteers to act out how they would coach this associate on making decisions. One volunteer will be the job coach trainer, and the other volunteer will be the associate. The job coach trainer will coach the associate on how to make a good decision by using the decision-making process. After the volunteers have acted out the scenario, discuss what was done well and what could be improved.
Seek to identify a personal or business gap or need.
Spend a few minutes silently pondering what you've discussed during this lesson. Listen as the Holy Ghost helps you identify areas where you can improve. Record your impressions in your learner's journal under the question “What Lack I Yet?”
Seek ways to close the gap or develop the required talent(s) to meet the need.
With the guidance of the Spirit, create your plan of how you will improve and close the gap(s) you have identified. You may use one or more of the exercises below, your own strategy, or a combination of both. Record this plan in your learner's journal under “What Must I Do?”
After a few minutes, those who are comfortable doing so can share their impressions with the group.
Seek understanding, and then share what you learned.
During the week, focus on implementing the plan you created. Record your impressions or lessons learned in your learner's journal under “Therefore, What?” You will be given time at the beginning of next week's lesson to share your experience with the group.
It is 6:45 a.m., and your alarm clock just went off. It's another normal work day at Deseret Industries (DI). As you are getting ready for the day, you think, “I'm very fortunate be enrolled in this training program, but Walmart is still hiring associates. I could get more work hours at Walmart. I heard that they pay more there, too.” You try to brush the idea off and get ready for work.
After two hours at work, your job coach trainer (JCT) pulls you aside and talks to you about not completing all your duties yesterday. It wasn't a big deal, but you do need to pay closer attention to your daily duties. At the end of your conversation, your JCT gives you the next work schedule. You notice that your hours dropped just a little for that week.
When you get home from work, your spouse tells you that the electric bill came. It is double what it was the previous month. Unfortunately, you can't turn off the air conditioner because your daughter gets sick if she gets too hot. Once again the thought about a job at Walmart crosses your mind. Should you continue working at DI or apply to Walmart? Start with either Option 1 or Option 6.
You and your spouse decide to use the process for making good decisions that your JCT recently taught you. A week later, you and your spouse realize that staying at DI is the best option for you and your future. As part of your development plan, you decide to focus and apply the coaching that you are receiving from your JCT. You and your spouse make some financial decisions to eliminate some unnecessary bills.
After four months, finances are still tight, but financial stress seems to be lifting. You haven't had any warnings at work, either. Since things are going better, your JCT approaches you and asks if you are ready to complete your GED. Getting your GED would help with future job opportunities, but trying to get it right now would be really hard. You've tried before, and the math always holds you back. You can't seem to pass all the requirements. However, DI offers tutoring for getting a GED, and it won't cost anything to try. Should you get your GED?
If you choose to get your GED, go to Option 2.
If you choose not to get your GED at this time, go to Option 3.
As you were deciding whether or not to get your GED, you remembered the process for making good decisions. After going through 10 steps of the decision-making process, you and your spouse decide that you should get your GED and develop a plan of action so that you can receive your GED.
Although it was not easy to get your GED, you received your certificate a few months ago. Although you were a little busier than usual, you were still able to spend some quality time with your kids, and they are very proud of you for receiving your GED. You have noticed an improvement in their schoolwork as well. You have also received a promotion to lead associate at DI.
One day, your JCT reminds you about the online classes offered at work. You look at the list of options and see some that would be interesting and some that would be extremely helpful in finding other employment once your program is finished at DI. The classes are offered in the evening, after work hours. Your kids have really enjoyed having you home at night to put them to bed, and your spouse has enjoyed having an occasional evening away from home. Although these classes don't cost anything, they will take away time you usually spend with your family. Should you take the online courses?
If you choose to take the online courses, go to Option 4.
If you choose not to take the online courses, go to Option 5.
You and your spouse decide that now is not the best time for you to pursue a GED. Your kids really need you to spend time with them right now.
Even though you decide not to get your GED right now, you realize that you do need to make some changes at work. You decide to listen to your JCT and follow all of his advice on the other improvements you need to make at work.
One year later, your journey at DI has ended. You received one promotion—to a lead associate position—before you left. With the skills that you gained as lead associate, you found a position at a different company with a larger salary. Things are going very well in this new position.
You have completed the story. Quietly let the facilitator know that you have finished. While you wait for everyone to finish the story, ponder the importance of making good decisions.
You use the decision-making process once again, and taking the classes seems like the best option for you and your family. You take advantage of all the classes that you can.
It has been a year since you decided to take the online classes. In that time, DI management has recognized all your improvements and has promoted you.
Your financial circumstances have improved greatly, and you are no longer struggling to make ends meet. You have had the opportunity to attend a local university and are on track to graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years. With the degree, the online classes you took at DI, and the job skills that you have gained, you have been promised a great job that starts the week after you graduate and will almost double your current salary.
You have completed the story. Quietly let the facilitator know that you have finished. While you wait for everyone to finish the story, ponder the importance of making good decisions.
You and your spouse discuss the possibility of taking the online courses. The kids are at an age when they need both you and your spouse to spend time with them. Plus, although you received your GED, it was very difficult on the entire family. You decide to not take the online courses at this time.
A year later, your program at DI has ended. You received one promotion—to a lead associate position—before you left. With the skills that you gained as lead associate, you have found a position at a different company with a larger salary. Things are going very well in this new position.
You have completed the story. Quietly let the facilitator know that you have finished. While you wait for everyone to finish the story, ponder the importance of making good decisions.
After talking with your spouse, you decide that it would be best to apply to the position at Walmart. It will be easier to make ends meet with a higher hourly rate and more work hours.
After three weeks, you start your new job at Walmart. Walmart offered you $2.50 an hour more than what you were making at DI, and your work hours have increased. Money is tight, but you can pay your bills.
Although you have fewer financial stresses, you no longer have the same opportunities you had at DI. The online classes and the coaching that were offered at DI are no longer available to you. Your current boss doesn't seem to be as understanding when you are five minutes late. You have received a few warnings, and you really need to be careful.
After two years, you recognize that Walmart is not a long-term financial solution for you and your family. As you are looking for other employment, you realize that you will need to get your GED. However, you have tried before, and the math always holds you back. You can't seem to pass all the requirements. You realize that the tutoring offered at DI for getting a GED is no longer available either. The responsibility of getting the GED is now fully on you. However, your employment opportunities will improve if you get that GED. Should you get your GED?
As you were deciding whether or not to get your GED, you remembered the process for making good decisions that you learned while working at DI. After going through 10 steps of the decision-making process, you and your spouse decide that you should get your GED and develop a plan of action so that you can receive your GED.
Although it was not easy to get your GED, you received your certificate four years ago. Even though you were a little more busy than usual, you were still able to spend some quality time with your kids, and they are very proud of you for receiving your GED. You have noticed an improvement in their schoolwork as well. Since that time, you have been able to find employment with better pay and with benefits. You also decided to take some online classes from a local university. You wouldn't be able to do that without your GED. You will graduate with an associate's degree next week with a promise of a better job.
You have completed the story. Quietly let the facilitator know that you have finished. While you wait for everyone to finish the story, ponder the importance of making good decisions.
After talking it over with your spouse, you decide that now is not the right time to pursue the GED. There are too many bills right now. Plus, it would take you a lot of time to study, and the kids would miss you too much. They just got out of school for the summer and have been looking forward to spending time with you. You can always work on your GED later.
Three years later, you still haven't gotten your GED. A fee or a larger bill always comes up so that you can't afford the time or the money to get your GED.
You have been promoted to lead associate at Walmart, which slightly increased your salary. You are also now a full-time employee. However, you have noticed that another lead associate, who was hired after you, has been promoted. Your financial situation has not improved much. You are able to get by month to month, but finances are still extremely tight.
You have completed the story. Quietly let the facilitator know that you have finished. While you wait for everyone to finish the story, ponder the importance of making good decisions.
When you arrived at the Deseret Industries store at 8:30 a.m. this morning, you found everyone waiting outside. Someone forgot to tell you that the schedule changed and you were supposed to open the store. Now time cards need to be edited to reflect accurate arrival times for all the employees. As you walk through the sales floor, you notice that recovering was not done properly last night. Next, you head over to the phones to check the messages. Multiple associates, including the lead and the dock lead, have called in sick. As soon as you finish checking the messages, you receive a call from Deseret Transportation informing you that the driver will be there in a half hour with your delivery. As you walk away from the phone, Sherry, an associate, tells you that Jim, another employee, has been harassing her. Rachel then tells you that the vacuum cleaner smells like burning rubber. As you turn to show Rachel how to fix the vacuum, you hear a crash from the back of the store and a loud yelp. Sarah tipped over a Z-rack and strained her back. As you try to understand the situation, you receive a phone call. It is Janet, a job coach trainer from another store. She is calling to ask for your suggestions on best practices of time management to share with a committee she is serving on.
Keep in mind that:
Answer the following questions:
You notice that one of your associates seems really sad. She appears to have things on her mind that are really bothering her. You want to help her, so you ask her to sit with you during her break so you can talk with her. She tells you that she woke up with a bad headache and almost called in sick. Yesterday she was struggling because she was so tired and fell behind on everything. Her mentor left her a message about a possible job lead. However, she has an appointment later in the afternoon with an individual to discuss the business partnership that is supposed to begin next Monday. She doesn't feel prepared to speak to this person, who will probably be her supervisor at the partnership.
Her bishop wants to meet with her sometime tonight in his office, but she hasn't been to church in the past couple of months. Her best friend asked for a $50 loan to help fix her car. Her daughter wants to participate in soccer this year, but she will have to pay school fees in order for her daughter to play. Her boyfriend wants to meet her for lunch. He usually wants to talk extensively about his problems with his parents, which always makes her late getting back to work. Finally, she was just promoted to be a lead, which has created some stress because she wants to be an example for other associates on the team.
Use this material if you would like to learn more about making decisions.
