Nine months before Rosa Parks, there was 15-year-old Claudette Colvin. On March 2, 1955, Colvin was forced to make a decision between giving up her seat on the bus to a white person or getting arrested.
"All I remember is that I was not going to walk off the bus voluntarily."
- Claudette Colvin to NPR , pioneer of the Civil Rights movement
Colvin's decision to remain seated came after learning about trailblazers like Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman: Women who challenged the laws with confidence. The bus boycott pioneer was inspired to stand her ground. Colvin's conviction and decisive action spearheaded one of the most transformative movements in America.
What is decisiveness?
Decisiveness means coming to a firm conclusion quickly and effectively. As simple as that definition is, there is immense power in good decisions. We saw how CEO Mary Barra's decisiveness and action helped General Motors endure some major setbacks.
Take a look at how author Benedikt Ahlfeld's decision making process led him around the world and into the business world:
How to make a smart decision
Listen. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open. Observation gives you the opportunity to learn from a wide range of perspectives and gain knowledge to make an informed decision.
Weigh your options. Here is where you lay everything out on the table. Exploring all the avenues before making a decision can help you predict or map out the resolution that works best for you.
Follow through. Now it's time to push the big, scary, red button. Just joking. But, this is the last and most important phase of the decision-making process: Making the actual decision. After listening to others and examining your options, you're ready to make an effective decision.
Why is decision-making important?
An important decision are the building blocks of life. Decisions satisfy our cravings. Decisions find us the fastest route to action. Decision making skills guide us through difficult times in life. Some decisions can change the world. At Matter, we believe that the right decision is the one that is the best option for you. It's a healthy mix of observing, reflecting, and retrieving feedback to make a better decision for your growth. ✨
