It occurred to me one day several years ago that while 80 to 90% of my decisions had turned out to be quite positive, there was still the 10 to 20% that did not have such a positive outcome. I could see there was some room for improvement, and became quite motivated to learn how to make better and more effective decisions. It was then that I began to seriously study how other people make their decisions. I was looking for any tool or system that I could use to aid me in becoming a better decision maker.

Over the years, I have adopted, adapted and applied a number of tools and systems that have resulted in my making better decisions. I am eager to share a couple of my discoveries with you.

First of all, I have learned never to just jump into a decision, without first taking time to gather all the facts. I must do my due diligence, to make sure there is nothing hiding under the rocks, if I am to make really good decisions.

Secondly, I have realized the advantage of looking at the issue from a number of different perspectives. If a decision will affect others-and most of them do-I make it a point to get their opinions, thoughts, and suggestions regarding the decision I have to make. The smartest thing I have learned to do is trust my wife and daughter's intuition. I really do believe that females have been given a special gift of intuition, and it is my job as a husband and father to listen to their gut feeling about things. Honestly, trusting Vicki and Tasha's intuition has never failed me yet.

Making well thought out decisions and taking action on them is much easier when I have the confidence and assurance that comes with taking all the facts into consideration and engaging others in the process. Being humble enough to hear and listen to what others share may be a bit difficult at times, and yet it is so vital to having success in the decision making process.

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice

Robert A. (Bob) Prentice is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a corporate trainer, a business and marketing consultant, an author, and publisher, who began his career 25 years ago.On December 26, 1989, Professional Development Systems was established in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In 1998, Bob moved the business to Wessington, South Dakota, so his family could experience the benefits of living in a rural community. Since the birth of PDS, Bob has worked with literally hundreds of companies and organizations within a 15 state region, delivering highly motivational training sessions in Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Total Quality Management, Team Building and more. Literally, thousands of people participate in Bob's training seminars each year.

A family man, Bob and Vicki, his wife of 28 years, have enjoyed the privilege of raising three children?two sons and a daughter?to adulthood. They also have an 11 year old daughter. Bob says he plays much more than he works, and when he works he goes to fun! Bob's friends call him Mr. Attitude.