In: Operations Management
What decisions did you make in the last 2 months during the Covid-19?
How did you make these decisions? Did you use intuition or reasoned judgement?
How do you usually make decisions?
Are you aware of your biases or unconscious biases during decision making process?
The last two months of Covid-19 had put everybody in real trouble. As the situation was unprecedented, we had to make several decisions during this period. I had to make decision on whether to go out for shopping or not, to buy a lot of supplies or not before government implemented lockdowns etc. I had to even contemplate about the trip to Europe which I planned for this April.
Taking these decisions in a situation as unprecedented as the Covid-19 was strenuous. Since it is a new issue, I had to update my knowledge base. I made the decisions by learning about the issue, by researching the updates from my government as well as the WHO etc. I had read a lot about the issue over the internet and had listed to quality sources. In today’s world with a lot of hoaxes circulating, even in these tough times, it is extremely necessary to look for the source’s quality when making research about anu subject.
I am an INTJ as per Briggs Meyers personality types. I read a lot and consequently I have a good knowledge base. I try to learn things that I am not conversant about and Covid-19 is also no different. When the issue came up internationally, I have read relevant articles published by news papers and other health agencies. My decisions on the subject are drawn up on the outlines of these facts. But I do not consciously sit down, think and make decisions. I would like to say my style is more of ‘informed intuition’.
I am very much aware of my decision-making process and hence I constantly try to update the information which is available with me. It is necessary for everyone to have an idea of their decision-making process and their biases to be able to make good decisions.