Making Good Decisions

John Kennedy looked out the window to the White House lawn. He was tense and exhausted. When the news came, the entire room erupted into cheers. The Russians and their missiles were going home.

The Cuban Missile Crisis provides a good example of effective judgment and decision-making. We make decisions every day, but why do some people make good choices and some bad?  We have all heard defendants say,” Your honor I made bad choices.” We have friends who constantly create drama through their faulty decision-making.

President Kennedy demonstrated some of the hallmark traits of good decision-making. We can learn from him in this regard. Here they are:

1.     He was patient. He gathered all the information present before he decided to blockade Cuba.

2.     His view of reality was supported by facts and evidence.

3.     His analytical abilities and thought process ran his emotions. He did not act impulsively.

4.     He consulted wise men. He solicited the honest opinions of cabinet members, and then he took responsibility for making his own decision.

5.     He tolerated anxiety.

6.     He showed courage.

7.     He assessed the risks associated with his decision.

A good rule of thumb is that most decisions don’t need to be made on the spur of the moment. Yes, if the car next to you is burning, you have to act quickly. But more often than not, we have time before we have to choose a fork in the road. Follow President Kennedy’s example, and you will be on the right track.