Decisiveness

Definition:  Exercises good judgment by making sound and well-informed decisions.  Perceives the impact and implications of decisions.  Makes effective and timely decisions, even when data are limited or solutions produce unpleasant consequences.  Is proactive and achievement oriented.

Ideas for Developing this Competency: 

  • Shadow a manager whose decisionmaking style you respect.
  • Discuss with colleagues and supervisors about their decisionmaking process on a particular project or task.
  • Write and/or discuss the factors you considered in arriving at a significant decision either in your work or personal life. Evaluate the consequences.
  • Solicit feedback from others to better understand how they perceive your decisionmaking capabilities. 
  • Volunteer to lead a project with a short deadline.
     
  • Volunteer for fire duty (procurement, resource mapping, resource advisor, driver, cache manager, dispatcher) where you have to make urgent, important decisions.
     
  • Volunteer to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) or first responder in your office.
     
  • Perform volunteer service with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Red Cross, or another organization.