Why Does Interviewer Ask This Question?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a question about how you make important decisions in such detail:

• Decision-Making Is A Critical Skill: Making important decisions is a crucial part of many jobs, especially leadership roles. The interviewer wants to get a sense of how you approach problem-solving and decision-making, and whether you have a thought process that is likely to lead to good outcomes.
• It’s An Open-Ended Question: This type of question is open-ended, meaning there is no one “right” answer. The interviewer is looking for insight into your thought process and how you approach problems. By asking for a detailed response, the interviewer is giving you the opportunity to provide a more comprehensive answer and showcase your problem-solving skills.
• It Helps The Interviewer Get To Know You: Asking detailed questions like this can also help the interviewer get to know you better as a person. Your answer will reveal your values, priorities, and communication style, all of which are important factors in determining fit with a company or organization.

Overall, the interviewer is looking for insights into your decision-making abilities and how you approach problem-solving. By providing a detailed response, you have the opportunity to showcase your skills and demonstrate your fit for the role.

5 Tips To Answer This Question

Here are five tips for answering the question “How do you make important decisions?”

1. Outline Your Decision-Making Process: Begin by outlining the steps you take when faced with an important decision. This might include gathering information, considering options, weighing pros and cons, seeking input from others, and so on. Be sure to explain how you approach each step and why it is important.
2. Provide Specific Examples: To illustrate your decision-making process, provide specific examples of times when you had to make an important decision. These could be personal or professional examples. Be sure to describe the situation in detail, including any challenges or constraints you faced, and explain how you arrived at your final decision.
3. Discuss Your Thought Process: As you describe your examples, be sure to delve into your thought process. What considerations did you take into account? How did you weigh different options? What was the final deciding factor? By discussing your thought process in detail, you can give the interviewer a better sense of how you approach problem-solving and decision-making.
4. Reflect On Your Experiences: In addition to providing examples, take some time to reflect on your experiences with making important decisions. What have you learned from your successes and failures? How have your past experiences influenced your approach to decision-making?
5. Conclude With Your Overall Approach: Finally, wrap up your answer by summarizing your overall approach to making important decisions. What do you believe are the key factors to consider when faced with an important decision? How do you ensure that you are making the best possible choice?

Remember to use a confident and decisive tone as you answer, and be prepared to discuss your thought process in detail.

Things To Avoid While Answering This Question

Here are a few things to avoid when answering the question “How do you make important decisions?”

1. Don’t Simply List Steps Without Explaining: It’s important to outline the steps you take when making important decisions, but simply listing them without any explanation or context won’t give the interviewer a sense of your thought process. Be sure to explain how and why you approach each step, and how it contributes to your decision-making process.
2. Don’t Make It All About You: While it’s important to discuss your own experiences and perspectives, don’t make the entire answer about yourself. Be sure to also consider the needs and goals of the company or organization you are interviewing with, and how your decision-making process aligns with those objectives.
3. Don’t Forget To Reflect: In addition to providing examples, take some time to reflect on your experiences with making important decisions. What have you learned from your successes and failures? How have your past experiences influenced your approach to decision-making?
4. Don’t Be Too Vague: Avoid being too general or vague in your answer. Provide specific examples and details to illustrate your points and give the interviewer a sense of your decision-making style.
5. Don’t Be Too Brief: While it’s important to be concise, don’t give a brief or superficial answer. The interviewer is looking for a detailed response that gives insight into your thought process and decision-making abilities. Take the time to provide a comprehensive answer that showcases your skills and fit for the role.

Example

1. Answer: “I like to gather as much information as possible about the situation and the options available before making a decision. This might involve researching, consulting with others, or seeking input from experts. I find that having a thorough understanding of the situation helps me feel more confident in my decision.”
2. Answer: “I try to weigh the potential risks and rewards of each option before making a decision. I consider both short-term and long-term consequences, and try to choose the option that is most likely to lead to a favorable outcome.”
3. Answer: “I find it helpful to consult with others when making important decisions, especially if the decision will affect others or if I am unsure about the best course of action. Talking through the options with trusted friends, colleagues, or family members can provide valuable perspective and help me identify potential issues or concerns that I may not have considered.”
4. Answer: “I try to trust my instincts and listen to my gut feelings when making important decisions. I know myself and my situation best, and sometimes my instincts can provide valuable insight into what is best for me.”
5. Answer: “I find it helpful to use a structured approach, such as a decision matrix or pros and cons list, to help me make important decisions. This allows me to consider all the options and their potential consequences in a systematic way.”
6. Answer: “I try to make decisions that align with my values and beliefs. This helps me feel more confident and satisfied with my choices.”
7. Answer: “I think about the potential consequences of different choices, both in the short-term and the long-term. This helps me make decisions that are in line with my goals and values.”
8. Answer: “If I am feeling overwhelmed or indecisive, I will take a break and come back to the decision later. This helps me clear my mind and approach the problem with fresh eyes.”
9. Answer: “I find it helpful to use visualization techniques, such as creating a mind map or imagining the different outcomes of different options, to help me make important decisions. This allows me to see the big picture and consider all the possible consequences of each choice.”
10. Answer: “Ultimately, the most important thing is to make a choice and commit to it. I try to be confident in my decision and be willing to stand behind it, even if it is not the most popular choice. However, I am also open to reassessing and adjusting my decision if circumstances change.”