How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 316

Evaluate each option against the key factors to consider the
combined effect of all the factors. Weight each factor in terms of
importance paying particular attention to any critical factors.
See the decision matrix below to help you do this.
Sometimes you may get so immersed that you may not be able to
see the wood for the trees: if this happens sleep on it and
postpone the decision until the next day. This may give you a
fresh perspective.
Using a DECISION MATRIX to help you to decide between
alternatives:
Make a short list of your key options and look at the positives
and negatives for each item. Below is a very simple example. You
could include many more factors.
Which career would be most appropriate for me: teacher, youth
worker or sales executive?
Factors important to
Factor
Youth
Sales
Teacher
me in my career choice Weighting
Worker Executive
Job security

high (x 3)

9
7
4 (x3=12)
(x3=27) (x3=21)

Informal working
environment

medium
(x2)

4 (x2=8)

9 to 5 work

low (x1)

6 (x1=6) 1 (x1=1) 5 (x1=5)

Good salary

low (x1)

4 (x1=4) 3 (x1=3) 8 (x1=8)

Job satisfaction

low (x1)

6 (x1=6) 7 (x1=7) 5 (x1=5)

Total

51

9
3 (x2=6)
(x2=18)

50

36

This suggests that for this particular person teaching and youth
work would both be good alternatives, but a career in sales
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