Highlights:

* Consult each of the four behavior styles to generate choices when faced with decisions.

* Determine an optimal response by evaluating choices, probably some combination of choices.


The choices we have when facing a decision are not one or the other, black or white, they usually are not even shades of grey. The choices we have are frequently so many they number the colors in the rainbow. But, how do we generate these options so we can evaluate them? How do we start?

Generate options by consulting all four behavior-styles. Let’s say the labor union gives you a grievance. A comprehensive response will consider all four behavior-styles. At least one option can be generated out of each behavior style, as follows:

Warrior. “Bring ‘em on, call our attorneys and fight them.”

Peacemaker. “Hey, we are all in the same business, we have to work
together, so let’s meet again and work out a resolution.”

Logical. “We need to consider the costs and benefits of settling this
grievance, and be concerned about setting a precedent.

Creative. “Let’s look at the big picture, think out side the box and come
up with a creative solution.”

Looking at decisions from these four perspectives forces us to move outside our habitual thinking styles. We get a more rounded view of a situation, and many choices can be generated. The choices are evaluated and an optimal response determined, probably some combination of choices. Use this method for your own personal decision-making by viewing the situation from these four perspectives, and use it in meetings where the group as a whole will brainstorm alternatives from each of the four perspectives.

Let’s say you call a staff meeting to decide how to decide a course of action. When you use this approach, the leader determines which thinking style the team should be in first, Warrior, Peacemaker, Logical or Creative. After everyone understands what the characteristics of that style are, the leader conducts brainstorming out of that style. Then team members are placed in the next thinking style and brainstorm ideas, and so on. Many choices are generated and are then clustered into categories for evaluation.

An individual using this approach needs to be able to move out of his dominant behavior modes and into less-preferred modes in order to generate choices. This will take some practice. Referring back to the behavior characteristics of each style described in Article 2 will be helpful.

Conflict can arise during group decision-making, and the next article will address managing conflict.