Many books and articles address the art of organizational decision-making. Given the broad literature on decision making, it can be hard to decide on the right approach to decision making. The article by Amaury Murgado (2012) explores the process of decision-making and decision-making traps in law enforcement. Law enforcement is filled with decision making, and law enforcement officers are expected to make the right decision. Law enforcement officers have to improve their decision-making skills by continually improving their knowledge.
In the article, Murgado (2012) classifies decisions in law enforcement as tactical and strategic. Tactical decisions deal with immediate issues that require quick decision making while strategic decisions take time and require conscious decision-making. Murgado states that decision making requires some methodology. Murgado created his decision-making methodology from the book Decision Traps by J.E. Russo and Paul Schoemaker. The four elements to making a decision as described by Murgado are framing, gathering intelligence, coming to a conclusion, and learning or failing to learn from the feedback. Framing is a way of approaching an issue or the question that needs to be answered. The second and the most crucial stage is gathering intelligence. One must have the right facts and information before making a decision. In the third stage, the decision maker uses a systematic approach made up of checks and balances to make a decision based on the frame and intelligence. Lastly, one must learn from the decisions and after-actions related to the decision to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. In the last part of the article, Murgado evaluates different decision-making traps including plunging in, frame blindness, lack of frame control, overconfidence, shortsighted shortcuts, group failure among others.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
I agree with Murgado on the four stages of decision-making. The first stage of framing determines how an individual approaches an issue. Mike Figliuolo (nd) argues on the importance of ‘thought leaders,’ who make the right decisions by educating themselves on the right framework, decision-making strategies, and information that have a direct impact on the decision. The last stage of decision making is also crucial as it allows the leader to measure progress and make the necessary changes.
The decision-making traps listed in the article affects decision-makers in the law enforcement on a daily basis. However, the list does not exhaust all the traps. Law enforcement officers often find themselves making tactical decisions that require them to act immediately. Murgado fails to explore the tactical decision-making process and the traps; instead, he focuses on long-term strategic decisions.
The article applies to my professional life in many ways. The article emphasizes the importance of framing and gathering intelligence before making a decision. I believe in gathering as much information as I can get before making a decision. Many of my colleagues have found themselves in trouble because they act immediately without taking time to analyze the situation, and they have made decisions that put their careers and the organization in jeopardy. Murgado advises law enforcement officers to plan and adapt. My approach to decision-making has improved over the years, I have learned to make quality decisions as I encounter almost similar issues over time. I have learned that having the right framing makes it possible to make the right tactical decisions even when there is no much time to evaluate available information. Nonetheless, I will continue expanding my knowledge and skills in the art of decision making.
References
Figliulo, M. (2012, Oct.8). 3 Responses to “Making No Decision is Still Making a Decision.” Thought leader LLC . Retrieved from: http://www.thoughtleadersllc.com/2012/10/making-no-decision-is-still-making-a- decision/
Murgado, A. (2012, June 12). Decision-Making Traps- Learn how to evaluate your options so you can avoid pitfalls and choose wisely in every situation. Police Magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.policemag.com/channel/careers-training/articles/2012/06/decision- making-traps.aspx
