Decision Making: From Political to Knowledge Based to Inner Wisdom
August 2005
We're all too familiar with political decision making: who gets listened to depends on status, clout, and intimidation. Sometimes it's obviously ugly: special interests and money talk, while ethical values and the real issues are compromised. More often it's subtle: subgroup intentions are clarified in the parking lot and assertive people drown out the quiet ones. Let's not talk about that approach anymore. Given what's at stake in this century and how demoralizing this approach is, it's time to move on.
Knowledge Based Decision Making is a far superior model that offers a process for strategic dialogue and meritocracy: the best ideas based on data move people to take the right actions. This model involves understanding the interests of all stakeholders, having an accurate assessment of the real issues, our capacity for change at this time, and the ethical considerations that are relevant in this decision. In a structured conversation people use this model with the following process:
- Identify the real issue and frame the best question to address it.
- Research and present the facts that are relevant to the issue.
- Have a dialogue to examine and explore people's feelings, concerns and assumptions.
- Reach a shared understanding of the issue and the differing points of view.
- Allow time and freedom for different choices or scenarios to develop.
- Allow people to advocate for the possible courses of action.
- Seek consensus if possible, or alignment with total support if necessary.
- Identify action steps, accountabilities, timelines, and a follow up plan.
A decision making model based on inner wisdom offers even more! With this approach you go deeply into the reservoir of “just knowing” what is trying to emerge. It is as if there is a sacred intention that is deeply meaningful and your rightful responsibility to allow it to come into existence. This approach requires humility and the surrender of your ego to a larger purpose. The process is heartfelt and emotional because it reconnects you to your deepest intentions, and the inspiration that is most meaningful to you. It does not depend on data or facts, but it does not violate them either. It is the way of an artist who must paint, or of an inventor who can not stop the creative flow. Your highest ethics and values are the “unquestioned foundation” of this approach. Fear pales in comparison to serving humanity. You are fully alive with enthusiasm for what is coming through you.
Inner wisdom is the perfect compliment to knowledge and it provides certainty that you are on the “high road” toward a future that is both rewarding and sustainable. Is it relevant in business? How would you like to know where your contribution, your products, and your services will be most welcome in markets that are truly enriched by your offer? Ironically, the wisdom from your heart is what provides you with the peace of mind you are looking for.
How do you make decisions based on inner wisdom? Listen deeply to the truth in your own heart. Speak courageously when you are inspired. Follow your intuition down a road that makes no sense until you discover the treasure you can't prove is there until you find it. Let passion overrule analysis. Break free of convention. Commit yourself completely to what you most deeply care about. If all of this comes naturally to you, trust your instincts and enjoy your journey. If you struggle with indecision some times, or always depend on data, or overanalyze things while forgetting to listen to your heart, try our practice of remembrance. It is the most powerful way of opening yourself to the flow of wisdom that is always there. It simply requires turning our attention inward to find our deepest experience of knowing. You can find instructions to begin your experiment with the remembrance on our website iin the Newsletter Archive under Articles & Other Resources. The article is called The Rememberance: Investing Time in Reflection or you can call us at 503-632-8572.