The Art Of Decision Making

The Art of Decision Making

The various colors that the prism reveals are amusing. Life has many different colors as a prism, and taking risks is one of them. Risks are an unavoidable part of life, and they can impact our well-being, relationships, and professions, we typically refrain from taking chances. We hardly ever question the norms, but this way of thinking limits our potential and stunts our development. We can succeed in our various professions if we have the courage to confront challenging circumstances and risk management procedures.

An encounter with one of our clients made me realize, “How essential it is to take risks”. Let me tell you more about the person who inspired this epiphany.

Sukhwinder Singh: An observant and a change-maker

One day, an organization called Infocepts approached us for medical insurance and a complete employee benefit scheme. During this deal, I met a person called Sukhwinder Singh. He was working there for two-three years. He came from a professional setup, IIM. He joined that company with the expectation of a great employee experience. They had some challenges with the agent who used to manage their company’s insurance. That agent had a good connection with the promoters and was known to all stakeholders. During covid breakdown, that agent temporarily suspended cashless services and even attempted to negotiate a higher rate for the ongoing deal.

In addition to the agent, Sukhwinder Singh identified several parts of the organization that could be improved. Back then, they had approx., 1500 employees. Some employees were leaving the company, while many were unhappy with the inadequate employee benefits. He also sensed that the competition going on was challenging. He was not able to attract good talent. In this scenario, he had two options, i.e., either Sukhwinder Singh could remain quiet and let things go the way they are or challenge the current happenings in the company. The decision he made was bold and unexpected.

An unconventional and change-making decision

Surprisingly, Sukhwinder Singh chose the second option. He took the risk of challenging the organization’s hierarchy. He approached the prominent position holders, i.e., the CFO and decision-makers of his company, and gave them a brief of the entire issue. They agreed with his observation and discussed the same with the CEO. The CEO, on the other hand, offered that if they should get a person who can do all these, he would allow them to continue further. It allowed Sukhwinder Singh to change the entire situation of the company.

He grabbed this opportunity because of one bold decision to approach his superiors with his idea. This led to Sukhwinder Singh’s search for vendors. He met 3-4 vendors, and this is how we met and interacted. He introduced several beneficial plans, including a booster benefit plan and flex benefits for the employees. His plans allowed the employees to choose their benefits. His straightforward and honest approach is also praiseworthy. All these qualities and his courage helped him crack the deal with us.

After having the deal with us, we changed employees’ experience perception and the entire working structure. It helped him gain the confidence of his superiors, colleagues, and juniors. Moreover, it enabled him to improve his workplace atmosphere. This particular encounter with Sukhwinder Singh is not about buying behaviour or employees’ benefits but the art of taking bold decisions. When the situation is not favourable, the decision-makers are expected to take the challenge to change the conventions. The decision-makers or every professional should see things from different perspectives. We must have the courage to approach the superior with different perspectives if we firmly believe in it.

To sum up

Accepting unfavourable conditions under the fear of risk makes us a follower. It closes all the doors to our success. Moreover, it also makes us feel unsatisfied in our professional life. Sukhwinder Singh was a changemaker because of his self-confidence and the courage to take a bold decision. Even after being aware of the consequences of the risk, he accepted the challenge and continued with what was necessary. Decision-making is a skill that requires a thorough analysis of our surroundings, expectations, and potential barriers. In addition, it requires courage. We should always remember,

“One of the most threatening risks is not taking a risk”.

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