Often times someone’s first thought, idea and decision for their life may be a good fit but it may not always be the best fit. How will that individual know or identify which option or direction is best?   

This article speaks about the steps and benefit of taking a minute to think and compare what may lie ahead, before making a decision.  

An old proverb in the Bahamian culture says "haste makes waste", which in this case implies that rushing to immediate or the first judgment, may lead to one’s detriment or disadvantage. 
 

Here are steps to help you think from a new perspective to make the best decision:

 
First; Establish a direction, maintain focus and understand the importance of what is to be achieved.  Individually this is accomplished by seeking the wisdom of a mentor; at the corporate level through the instructions of a consultant, research findings of the bench marks and companies within your sector and industry who have overcome or fallen from having experienced similar.  
 
Second, do absolutely nothing. Be still in the midst of chaos and excessive chatter.  Individually seek to isolate yourself to hear, de-clutter, analyze and envision.  Wait until passions are cool, wind have shifted direction, waters recede and fires are near ash before endeavoring to approach the exit, way forward, up and beyond. Oprah Winfrey, acclaimed talk show host and philanthropist often says "when in doubt do nothing", a perfect summation of this tip.  For the workplace now is not the time to listen and adjust to the noise in the market but to remain focus the mission, vision, strategic plan and client needs while upholding the corporate core values. 
 
Third, compare all options by detailing their processes. Comparisons are important for three reasons. First, it draws out the outline what is required and involved. Second, helps estimate the emotional, physical, financial and spiritual cost. Third, estimates and forecasts the consequences and outcomes of each option.  A common process which websites allows for product offerings to be compared; Residence Inn, operated by Marriott allows for the amenities of each property to be compared according to the search request.  This is mention is not to endorse either companies, but merely as only a point of reference based on personal experience.

  
The fourth is deemed as the "secret ingredient". Unusual and simple, it is the process of envisioning the desired outcome; the landscape of the ideal future.  These imageries are captured in the composition of a descriptive statement that anchors the composer’s belief and links what they envisioned to their reality and pursuits. An alternative to the vision statement is a vision board arranged with pictures of the ideal. In the movie "Last Holiday" starring Queen Latifah and L. L. Cool J, the character Georgia Byrd composed a "Possibilities Book" a scrap book that protected and held all the things that she wanted to experience and acquire in her ideal life.  By the end of the movie two desires from her "Possibilities Book" were manifesting; engagement to the character Sean played by L. L. Cool J and being a step closer to owning and operating a restaurant. One possibility was a reality, to stay at a grande European hotel.  In the workplace it is important that all associates not only know the corporate vision but they are excited about it, passionate playing their part to ensure its realization, committed for the long haul and flexible to shift with industry trends and client demands.   

Your life is valuable and the workplace has great significance, take the time to think and compare your options to embrace new opportunities and growth and to experience change and a new direction. 

Copyright @ 2011 Kaylus Horton  

Kaylus Horton is the Principal of Renaissance Group of Companies. As a Certified Path Coach she facilitates learning and discovery for the focus, direction and the pursuit of vision.  

For more information about coaching in the workplace visit www.renaissancebahamas.com or send an E-Mail: info@renaissancebahamas.com