When it comes to making decisions, I am pretty terrible. It’s a discipline I just never quite developed well. Some might say it’s “being the Libra that I am”. You see, I too easily sway sides at the slightest hint of credible support. Not that I am a believer in horoscopes, but there may be a bit of truth to the Libra instinct. If I’m not thoroughly convinced to a decision, I find myself mired by indecision. And that can often be worse than the wrong decision.
So, when presented with the opportunity to review Robert L. Dilenschneider’s book: Decisions: Practical Advice from 23 Men and Women Who Shaped the World, I wasted little time in deciding to say yes. This is an honest take on the book with key takeaways I’ve learned as it relates to refining life, on purpose.
The Discipline of Decision Making
We face the need to make hundreds of decisions on a daily process. Some of them are instinctual and some require extensive analytical thought. There are decisions based on heart, and some based in thought or gut. And some decisions are easy while others are agonizing.
Realizing the latter is the case in many of life’s decisions, Dilenschneider wastes no time stating…
This book is intended to make your life easier.
To achieve this daunting goal, the author provides several vignettes featuring men and women who made monumental decisions. In some cases, such as Truman’s decision to use the atomic bomb, countless lives were at stake on either side of the decision. In others, such as Rachel Carson’s stand against the use of DDT and harmful pesticides, political change and global health awareness entered public discourse.
Dilenschneider explores the men and women behind decisions such as these. In so doing, he explores the individual’s upbringing, worldviews, and experiences. Then, he frames it against the context of the decisions they faced, providing unique insight into the mind and motivations of those souls who bore the chore of choosing the best next steps.
When facing decisions, indecision can be worse than the wrong one. That’s why, In Decisions: Practical Advice from 23 Men and Women Who Shaped the World, Dilenschneider has brilliantly selected, studied and culled lessons from the world’s most remarkable decision makers.
World Changers in Many Realms and Realities
Within the decisions of the men and women profiled Dilenshneider’s Decisions exists a handful of subcategories. Those segments include; War and Peace, Commerce and Invention, Science, and Breaking Boundaries. Each chapter delves deep into their decisions and the impact of their decisions while providing lesser-known background tidbits and facts.
Chapters conclude with a series of lessons to be gained by readers in the art of making decisions. Some are obvious and common sense. Others are circumstantial or contextual. All of them, though, are enlightening and discerning as well as applicable to your life.
In addition to the people and decisions profiled by Dilenschneider, the book features a forward by Steve Forbes and afterward from Klaus Schwab, the founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
Make Your Decisions
Annually, many men, women and children make New Year’s Resolutions or similar tactics to bring change into their lives. They do it for many reasons. It may be a matter of wanting more, or it may be a matter of saving themselves from chronic illness or financial hardship.
But decision making is not a once a year thing. It’s a many times a day thing. It’s about pulling in the facts, weighing the pros and cons, and making choices. Sometimes hard choices. The individuals profiled in this book, along with the defining decision making of their lives, exhibit their integrity, wisdom, and personal discipline.
It could be wisely applying personal talents in areas of influence, like Pablo Picasso. Having humility to ask for help, like Joan of Arc. Or, there may be times when you find yourself in a no-choice situation. Like Rachel Carson, you may have to simply buck up and face what you must. Similarly, like Martin Luther, hold may need to hold true to your convictions and act in the faith in your God, no matter the level of fear that may exist within you.
Dilenschneider has brilliantly selected, studied and culled lessons from some of the most remarkable decision making processes the world has ever known. The applications for which are virtually endless and transcending industry or trade. If, like me, you have a bit of the “Libra syndrome” that leaves you voting for all sides of the debate, you’d do yourself a huge favor by taking this book in and absorbing the timeless wisdom it offers.
About Robert L. Dilenschneider
Robert L. Dilenschneider, founder and CEO of The Dilenschneider Group and previously served as president and chief executive officer of Hill and Knowlton, Inc. He’s one of the world’s foremost communication leadership coaches, and widely published. He’s counseled major corporations and professional groups around the globe, and is frequently called upon by the media to provide commentary and strategic public relations insights on major news stories. Learn more about Dilenschneider on his website (robertldilenschneider.com) or following him on twitter: @DGI_NYC.