THE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO MAKING RESPONSIBLE DECISIONS

                               The responsible decision making model

·        We seek to understand what it is composed of and also examine its application.

Definition. The responsible decision model is a series of steps to follow to assure that the decision you make result in actions that;

·        Promote health,

·         Protect safety,

·        Follow laws,

·        Show respect for self and others,

·        Follow the guide lines of parents and of some responsible adults,

·        Demonstrate good character.

               The responsible decision making model is broken down into six steps namely

                                                                     i.            Describing a situation that requires a decision.

                                                                    ii.            List possible decisions you might make.

                                                                  iii.            Share the list of possible decisions with a parent or guardian or other responsible adult.

                                                                   iv.            Use six questions to evaluate the possible consequences of each decision.

                                                                    v.            Decide which decision is most responsible and appropriate.

                                                                   vi.            Act on your decision and evaluate the result.

                     These steps shall be examined in detail below.

Step1: Describe the situation that requires a decision

Describe the situation in writing if no immediate decision is necessary. Describe the situation out loud to yourself in a few sentences if an immediate decision is necessary. Being able to describe the situation in your own words help you see it more clearly.

Step2: List possible decisions you might make

List all the possible decisions you can think of in writing if an immediate decision is necessary. If you must decide right away, review the possible decisions out loud to yourself. Say them repeatedly to yourself.

Step3; Share the list of possible decisions with a parent, guardian, or other responsible adults: share possible decisions with a responsible adult when no immediate decision is necessary. If possible delay making a decision. An adult may think of other possibilities. He/she may help you evaluate the possible consequences of decision.

Step4: Use the six questions to evaluate the possible consequence of each decision :

a)        Will this decision result in actions that promote good health?

b)        Will this decision result in actions that promote safety?

c)        Will this decision result in actions that follow the laws?

d)        Will this decision result in actions that show respect for me and others?

e)        Will this decision result in actions that follow the guidelines of my parents and of other responsible adults?

f)         Will this decision result in actions that demonstrate good character?

Step5: Decide which decision is most responsible and appropriate.

Rely on the six questions in 4 above as you compare the decisions.

Step6: Act on your decision and evaluate the

Follow through with your decisions with confidence. You will be confident if you pay attention to the six questions in step 4 above.

                            If followed strictly, the above model will help you be a role model in your leadership or business and endeavors. You will be a go-to-person for everyone. Your successes in everything you do will blow the trumped. You can even become a consultant and earn a great income from here. Remember that whatever you do, honesty and consistency will pay you well.