Abundance Asks For Sorting!

There were times when all people on earth had to make decisions, in terms of a new direction.

But in the past few years I notice more and more that some professions and single private people don´t really have to decide for a new direction but rather need to learn how to sort their alternatives.  Alternatives shall deliver a solution to a problem.  Let´s look a little deeper and take a look at doctor´s daily work….

A doctor in a hospital for example can´t pick the illnesses, because the patient comes with the illness and delivers it.  A patient confronts a doctor with facts.  Of course he´s specified for particular illnesses or diseases, but still, the alternatives approach by itself without a necessary calling.  The decisions a doctor has to take transformed into tough “sorting-decisions”.

The doctor needs to deliver the solution:

1.  “Who out of 3 – 4 patients have to stay in the hospital?  Who is “ill” enough?”  A doctor has to decide about a patient who needs to stay overnight.  She and he will make a few tests and then uses the clinic look.  Some patients probably need to go home, others might be transfered to another hospital with empty beds on the ward.  The responsibility lies in the “right” sorting.

2.  “What is useful?”  is the magic question.  “Sorting the alternatives” for decision making is about dealing with the abundance.  Solution method:  people who permanently have to sort, need a detailed criteria list.

How to build  a CRITERIA List:

Have focus and passion!

A doctor for example has to have passion to heal illnesses.  The challenging patient a doctor suddenly faces might bring this question:  “do I have the right to show up at your door ?”  If the doctor answers with:  “yes, you are a contribution to my success !” …..the patient will be sorted “into” the hospital to undergo a treatment.

A criteria list is a leveling for decision making.  It´s relevant for the decisions.

1. You need a kind of “business” plan to set criterias (!)
2. Write down differentiators of  A – B – C – D – E  (possible variations)
3. Set qualification characteristics (as HR does when sorting):  what´s relevant to get?
4. Know the required terms:  if this – then that
5. Add goals to it to document first successes  (improvements)
6. Hang-up the criteria list on your office wall like a calendar, to focus on what´s written on it
7. Structure your weekly to-do´s according to the criteria list
8. Prioritise offers, make sure it´s important and not only interesting
9. Your permanent goal is to gain successes, it´s not to be busy

Another good example about sorting decisions via a criteria list from an abundace of solutions are the TOP MODEL TV-shows around the world.  There´s obviously a certain height with sometimes 1 exception, certain body measurements, good looks and a great walk – as the main criteria to be “in”.

But still the best top models can´t be chosen from a first meeting.  Height, body, walk and looks won´t just do it. They function as a door opener “only”.

Back to the doctor:  A doctor needs to take the patient “in” to start the necessary healing process while top model searchers take a few potential models “into” the team to start improving their soft skills until the best comes out.

Both work with the luxury of time!

While time can be risky for a doctor, it is necessary for the top model producer.  When we make decisions we often lack time!  We need to be prepared for what we´re looking for, we need to be focused to get it.  It´s either focus or information we need to add.  If we own that luxury, we are able to make fast decisions!  Once we´re a professional with quick decision making we can move on and start working with our intuition.

What is your experience with sorting decisions from abundance?  What is challenging you?  Which criteria did you chose?

Thank you for your comments!

BE A DECISION MAKER.  BE OUTSTANDING.

rita jaskolla – Leadership Architect –