|
Administrative professionals will enjoy increasing autonomy — and make more decisions — by the year 2020. While collaboration will still be key, supervisors and colleagues may spend more time off–site. As a result, employers will rely on self-directed individuals who demonstrate sharp abstract reasoning abilities, excellent judgment and strong ethics.
New job titles such as "resource coordinator," "workflow controller" and "electronic security specialist" highlight the broadening scope and depth of administrative careers. These roles will require administrative professionals to make decisions that affect clients, vendors, managers, coworkers and contract workers. To bolster your decision–making aptitude, follow these steps:
Study up. You can't make choices that are in step with your employer's mission unless you first understand the objective. Learn about your organization and its overall goals and philosophies. Your firm's website and training materials may contain useful information. Your manager also can keep you apprised of company priorities.
Embark on a fact-finding excursion. Good choices require that you have all the relevant details. Develop a broad base of information-gathering resources to increase efficiency and minimize anxiety during the decision–making process.
Use the clock to your advantage. Avoid acting on impulse because you are under stress. Clarify when a decision needs to be made, and use the time you have to make a list of options, considering the consequences of each one.
Identify stakeholders. Make sure you consider all of the parties affected by your decision. When reviewing options, consider how others may view the outcome.
Think ethically. Make choices with everyone in mind. Would the people you care about most respect your decision? If you have any question about the integrity of an approach, reconsider your options.
Start with the small stuff. Improving your decision-making skills takes time and practice. Start by making small choices. Once you feel comfortable tackling these, move on to decisions that carry more weight.
Keep yourself on the hook. In certain instances it may be easier or politically advantageous to delegate tough calls to colleagues. However, unless you lack the necessary resources or information, avoid the temptation to dodge decision-making. Passing the buck will hamper your reputation as a "go–to" person.
Avoid second-guessing yourself. Stand behind your judgment calls. A vague or uncertain explanation does not instill confidence. When a decision is questioned, explain with assurance why you made the choice.
Don't dwell on the past. Make the best decision you can with the information available and then move on. While it's important to think reflectively and learn from your mistakes, if you constantly question your judgment, you won't be able to focus on the choices ahead.
Be methodical and optimistic. Break big decisions into smaller steps. You won't need to rely on conjecture, speculation or guesswork if you view decision–making as a manageable, learned skill that improves with time and experience.
|
