A500.4.3.RB_Anderson Shane

I found Sheena Iyengar’s TED video very interesting.  She explained her research on choices and how American beliefs rest on three assumptions; Make your own choices, More choices = better choices, you must never say no to choice.  Throughout the world there are fundamental differences in our ideas about choice. Where Americans strive on limitless choices, other countries and cultures struggle when faced with too many choices. For example, her interview with participants of formerly communist countries (Russia) she was surprised on their perception that seven different choices of soda was just one choice...soda.  

I agree that our American culture believes these assumptions, without critically thinking about their choices in the sense of implications and consequences. However, I don’t believe our American-way is always beneficial.  These assumptions can greatly affect leadership decisions.  For example, I had an Airman fail a quality assurance inspection.  In this case the first assumption “If a choice affects you, you should make the choice” impacted my decision of how to discipline the subordinate.  Rather than getting all the information and relying on colleagues for the best course of action, I made the choice alone that the Airman would receive a Letter of Counseling and brief our upper supervision on his lack of awareness.  Fortunately, another subordinate, gathered all the information and seen the situation from the Airman’s point of view.  Also, he pointed out some implications that I did not think of.  He presented this information to me, and I realized I had made a wrong choice.  I am believer in open and honest feedback and was surprised yet thankful that he presented his critique of my decision.

Alternatively, I had a similar situation where a subordinate failed to perform his tasks effectively.  Rather than taking action to correct the situation and provide feedback, I ignored the situation and the 3^rd assumption of “never say no to choice”.  You see, it has always been difficult for me to make decisions.  I often am afraid to make the wrong choice or make a choice of what I think someone wants.  I do not like conflict so rather than make a choice of corrective action, I chose not to make one.  I now regret not correcting or addressing the situation.  

Since taking this course, I have begun to think more critically about my options and decisions.  This had already led me to making more informed choices.  I ask more questions, collect more information and reason through situations as much as possible. This has showed me the full potential of choices, the power of choice and I have learned how to trust the process.  Furthermore, while studying action research I realize evaluating my my actions and realigning my choices with my values is important to developing myself and my work.