Taking decisive action moves an issue forward and is positive and action oriented. It is linked to RESILIENCE because taking decisive action is empowering, positive and allows a person to take control of a situation instead of it controlling them.
Understanding how you make decisions and what may stop you from taking decisive action can be the first step towards developing strategies to manage these blockers and enable you to; make the decision, take action, and move forward. This can be an important factor in improving RESILIENCE – gaining confidence in decisive action.
This module consists of two parts.
- In PART ONE we look at the emotional brain and the rational brain and how they work together to aid decision making.
- In PART TWO we will take a closer look at what inhibits us from taking decisive actions and overcoming these blockers.
EXAMPLE OF MAKING A DIFFICULT DECISION:
A newly hired deck hand walks the engine room and notices a dark spot on one of the engine exhaust blankets. He is unsure of whether or not this is reportable to the Captain. He has many thoughts such as:
- Is the spot big enough to report?
- If this is not reportable, will I get laughed at by the crew for being overzealous?
- If this is not reportable and the Captain is in a bad mood, will he scold me?
- The next watch comes on shift soon. Should I ignore it and leave the reporting up to them if they think it is an issue?
Sometimes it is hard to make a decision. We create blockers that prevent us from taking decisive action. Understanding emotional and rational thinking and the ability to recognize “blockers” for making a decision will enable us to strategize ways to overcome these inhibitors and Take Decisive Action.
FACILITATORS:
- Print out the RESILIENCE Feedback Form by Clicking the following link. At the end of the discussions, write the name of the attendees on the form, note any feedback provided by the group on the form and send the form into the office. RESILIENCE SIGN-IN AND FEEDBACK FORM
- Use the Facilitator Guide as a template for conducting a meeting with your crew basis Module 1 – “What is Resilience?” Click the following Link to view and print the Facilitator Guide. RESILIENCE MODULE 2 – FACILITATOR GUIDE
- Click the following link to view and print the Participant Guide for Module 1 – “What is Resilience?” Print one guide per participant for them to use during the discussion and keep for later reference. RESILIENCE MODULE 2 – PARTICIPANT GUIDE
- DON’T FORGET TO TURN THE RESILIENCE FEEDBACK FORM TO THE OFFICE.
Thank you for your participation!