Information and Decision-Making: Fuzzy vs. Fact

(photo credit)

Why is it that we sometimes find it so hard to make important decisions?

It seems so simple at first … gather the needed information and then use the information as a basis of determining what decision you should make.

Unfortunately, we may be doomed to fail before we decide on anything if we don’t first examine the information carefully.

Information can be interpreted in many ways. Some types of information are indisputable while other types of information are quite debatable.

Here are four main ways to interpret information:

• Rumour - Inwardly, we say to ourselves that this could be useful information. When we try to convince others we tell them that the rumour is possible.

• Belief - Inwardly, we tell ourselves that the information is definitely true. We don’t convince others because if they don’t agree with us then they are simply wrong.

• Opinion - Inwardly, we view the information one way, while we understand that others may view it differently.

• Fact - Inwardly, the information is fact and it remains the same to others.

The challenge in making an effective decision is to be aware of the four ways of interpreting information and the ways in which others interpret the same information.

Have rumours, beliefs and opinions ever affected your ability to make sound decisions? Think about it the next time you’re about to decide on something.

Cheers,

Steve