Values which we deem important are largely influenced by
cultural norms. For instance, in mainstream American culture, it is our right
to make choices in the pursuit of whatever makes us happy. When we perceive our
rights are being curtailed or violated, we tend to push back, to fight for our
rights, even if our choices seem unreasonable.
The right to choose may be based on whether we view our lives as
fatalistic or self-determined. If we view our life as fatalistic or predetermined,
then the right to choose probably has less meaning to us. On the other hand, if
we believe in self-determination, then we likely place a high value on the
right to choose. When we don’t have the option to choose, our standards are not
being met. Our view of the right to choose is based on our values and, it is
our values that serve as a standard in how we evaluate our lives. For example,
if I’m away from home and can find only unhealthy food to satisfy my physical
needs for calories, I may choose to eat it anyway but feel emotionally less
satisfied because the food was unhealthy.
More options may lead to better choices based on our perceptions
of value or criteria, or what we think is important to our needs at that time. For
example, if I need a new set of tires for my vehicle in order to pass state
inspection requirements, I may have set the bar low and opt for the cheapest tires
on the market. On the other hand, if I deem personal safety as among my
criteria, I may choose tires that satisfy my perceptions or judgement of safer
tires, not ones that will simply get my vehicle through minimum standards of
state inspections.
Too many choices may overwhelm our ability to decide which option
is the best choice. Too many options may lead to confusion as we try to
mentally compare and contrast different possibilities or combinations and how
they measure up to our perceptions of value. So, we may take the easy way and make
a random choice. Or we may let someone else decide. Or we may try to rank order
our values and start over. We might make a list or a matrix or a complicated
decision tree. Or we might simply give up and walk away. If it’s over something
trivial, there may be no harm and we go about our lives. On the other hand, we
may unintentionally harm ourselves or others.
If we make no choice or, when we let others decide for us, we
are relinquishing our right of self-determination. We give up control of our
life and others decide whether or not we achieve a measure of happiness.
In leadership, making choices based on our values is imperative
to the success of not only ourselves but those we lead. We should prioritize
our decisions not on what’s simplest or easiest but rather on what’s congruent
with our values.
References
Nosich, G. M. (2012). Learning
to Think Things Through: A Guide to Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum (4th
ed.). Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
O'Connor, T. (2010). Free Will. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2016/entries/freewill/
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2014). Critical
Thinking: Tools for Taking Charge of Your Professional and Personal Life (2nd
ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
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