Family decision making tips
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Family life can be fun, rewarding and complicated. Some of the more emotional discussions that families deal with revolve around problem solving and conflict resolution. The following are some tips to help with family decision making:
- Avoid discussing an issue or problem at an inappropriate time. Problem solving tends to be difficult when people are angry or tired.
- Do not begin the decision making process with a closed mind. You may be surprised at the creative solutions your family comes up with.
- Be sure to actively listen to other people’s viewpoints and feelings. Right or wrong, feelings are real.
- Clarify imprecise understandings or assumptions. Be gentle.
- Don’t let anger become a barrier to progress. Getting angry, criticizing, calling names, blaming, using sarcasm or other aggressive behavior doesn’t help. If you are angry, take a break.
- Don’t give in. Saying, “I guess you’re right” with a big sigh, or being submissive in order to avoid conflict is not problem solving, its avoidance.
- Be realistic. Try to clearly attach decisions to resources such as time, energy and money.
- Avoid ultimatums. When one person gives ultimatums, they threaten other people into submitting to what they want. For example, “You’ll do it or I’ll divorce you!”
- Be respectful. Refusing to regard individual differences in personalities, goals, values, emotional investments and lifestyles does not encourage team work.
- Communicate directly. Using a middle-person to communicate with another family member can cause even more emotions to flare and can lead to misunderstandings.
- Follow the Golden Rule. If you don’t take an active interest in decisions that concern other members of the family which could benefit by your involvement, don’t be hurt when others are disinterested in your problems.
- Establish suitable boundaries around family decision making. For example, consider who will be involved in the process such as only immediate family, or extended family or in-laws.
By becoming aware of these tips, families may be able to communicate effectively without anger and hurt. They will be better able to create a plan that is agreeable to all involved and successfully resolve family issues.
