A Holistic Approach to Decision Making: Making an Impact in 2012 and Beyond

Good decision making is not something we do naturally. Yet, we tend to believe the decisions we make are correct. No one intentionally makes a bad decision. The challenge is that making optimal decisions is not an intuitive human trait. Research tells us there is good reason to doubt the effectiveness of most decision making. In 1956, Professor George Miller of Princeton University found that humans can process only a limited amount of information at a given point in time. Today, when we are constantly bombarded with information, this becomes even more of a problem. When we reach information overload, our decision making tends to become overly influenced by personal bias, previous experiences and mental approximation. This will be very much aggravated by the many uncertainties and challenges in the years ahead that might affect our professional, economic as well as personal wellbeing. Thus, the ability to make the right decision at the right time with the right resources is very much in need than ever before. The good news is that making optimal decisions is a skill that can easily be learned and developed. This highly interactive 2 day training has been specifically designed for leaders, managers, executives and team who regularly make important decisions as part of their work flow. It will allow them to function with greater accuracy, ease of collaboration, speed and confidence. Most importantly, it will give participants the necessary knowledge, tools and techniques to: Understand the difference between problem solving and decision making Define and utilise appropriate criteria in the decision making process Put multi-dimensional, real-world problems into proper perspective Recognise human irrationality and the illusions that creep into decision making Implement an analytic hierarchal methodology when making decisions Validate decisions while employing collaborative processes and techniques The objective of this training is to teach industry professionals, specialists, administrators and managers how to make decisions that are effective, consistent and defensible. Through hands-on participation and interactive exercises, participants will gain valuable skills, knowledge and techniques. Day One The Irrational Human Being Decision Making Fundamentals Tools and Techniques Setting Objectives Segregating Criteria Day Two Case Studies Utilising Manual Solutions and Software Tools Team Decision Making Decision Validation The Role of Planning Creative Thinking

After the training, participants will be able to: Minimise risk by validating decisions Recognise the hidden traps that lead to bad decisions Understand key factors that impact decision making Master the skill of making optimal decisions with greater speed, accuracy and confidence Utilise a novel approach to team decision making that avoids the pitfalls of herd mentality Present and defend decisions with ease The training will be conducted by Dr. Errol Wirasinghe, a well-known speaker, consultant, trainer and the author of The Art of Making Decisions. He has conducted training and seminars for many Fortune 500 companies and lectures on decision making in the University of Houston. Dr. Wirasinghe has worked as an engineer, scientist, university professor, consultant and director of a public utility. He has lived, worked and trained professionals in Asia, Middle East, Europe, North and South America. Throughout his career, he has carved out a niche as an expert decision maker and creative thinker and has featured on TV and Radio talk shows in US. Participants Testimonials:
I found that Dr. Wirasinghes approach is very robust, easy to use, and has wide application in both my personal and professional life. I strongly recommend it to all who are involved in decision making regardless of their field. The course was inspiring, educational and very enjoyable; overall, an outstanding experience. It was one of the best delivered and most valuable events I have attended in recent years Dr. Richard A Jacobs, PhD (MIT), Technip, USA The message was relevant and the messenger showed expertise, and a terrific passion for the subject. In the coming weeks, I will be proposing to our district that we consider expanding your program to include our teachers, counsellors, coaches, principals and administrators and most of all students who are seniors, who will be making serious decisions, every day. Susan Green, Director, Klein Independent School District, USA Your knowledge of the material was excellent and your passion for the topic, remarkable. Our staff was presented with a lively, entertaining learning experience. Natalie Wood, MA, LPC, Director, Catholic Charities, Houston, USA You are without doubt an expert on the field of Effective Decision Making and your unique ability to transfer concepts across in a simple and practical yet a powerful manner made the sessions extremely effective. Prasad Piyadigama, Vice President, Holcim, Sri Lanka This was one of the best training weve had which we are extremely impressed with. Nilangani De Silva, Head of Group Capability, Brandix Lanka Ltd