A632.9.3.RB_Role of Emotion in Decision Making

Even before watching this video I knew that emotion played a large role in the decision making process. I am sure this will sound either cliché or sexist but I am woman and women tend to be more emotional especially when we have to make big decisions. Speaking from experience I know that when I have to make a big decision not only do I put a lot of thought into the choices I am making but I rely on my emotional intuitions as well. In additional to emotional intuitions I also do my homework (gather additional information) before I finalize the decision and then sometimes I am still not 100% confident.

I am sure this will be overkill but the most recent decision I made that involved a lot of emotion was choosing to leave my Administrative Assistant position to become an Instructional Designer. When you know you are good at what you are do it is not always the easiest decision to make to up and leave and do something different. This process was extremely emotional but it needed to be done and after taking the time to weigh out all of my options I knew I was making the best decision. After I took the time to think about the decisions I was making I was more confident about what I was doing and what I had to do moving forward. Once I had finalized my decision I felt extremely confident in the decision I made because I knew it was the right step for me. Some of the emotional reactions for the feeling of strength, worth and happiness. I knew that I going to a place that would further me as a professional woman and further me in my career with ERAU.

Starting over can be a scary decision to make and at times can strip someone of their confidence. Getting on my own two feet was an experience I wasn’t ready for but I knew I had to do it. When a terrible relationship ended a year ago, it was time that I had to get out and get onto my own two feet. I had been thinking about this decision for a long time and no matter how long I thought about what I had to do, I wasn’t confident because I was alone and I didn’t have a strong support group around me. I have found that people tend to be more confident in their decisions when they have a support group. I suppose it was a good thing that I didn’t have a support group because it forced me to see something within myself that I hadn’t seen before. Although I had a lack of confidence before, during and shortly thereafter the decision was made, I was able to get my confidence level up after a period of time had elapsed. During the decision making process I felt emotions such as being scared, unsure and less-confident. I didn’t know if I could do it on my own and maintain everything in my life I was accustomed to.

Emotions will always play a role in making complex decisions but it is how you channel those emotions that will set you apart from others in those types of situations.