A632.3.4.RB - Reflections on Decision Making


Using frames to navigate through a project often narrows a person's focus and facilitates the entire decision making process. However, when a frame is extremely conservative, alternative solutions to an issue could be neglected. When a frame creates this form of a blind spot, it can be very hard to challenge the limited cognitive possibilities. Furthermore, leaders that entrust a particular frame, may suffer from frame blindness, where a person is unaware of their own frame. When a leader is susceptible to frame blindness, they often use a frame that is inappropriate for a situation. For example, if a project manager approaches an issue regarding a parts availability, it would be silly to continue by using a pilots’ operations frame. aa
      
Frame blindness also plagues managers with having an illusion of completeness. If a person feels that a decision is complete, they may cease to improve the situation. Another symptom of frame blindness is the overconfidence that one may feel when presented with an issue. Overconfidence can correlate to quick decisions with a lack of research or reflection. Lastly, an unfortunate interaction of hostility may occur when different frames clash while suffering from frame blindness. Depending on the personalities (and level of passion) involved, arguments often arise from having a difference in frames.


One solution to framing mistakes is to conduct regular frame audits. Auditing a personal frame must begin with creating a visual representation of the frame itself. This visual should include essential elements, important features and optional features. An audit will also consist of analyzing the frames of others including their objectives. It is essential to appreciate the frames of others, as it will result in a more diversified and experienced frame. I have performed this type of framework audit while restructuring the departments involved with maintenance. The first step was to visually display the current departments and identify each objective. Next was to find common objectives between each department and increase interactions between them. For example, because the quality assurance kept checking schedules, a simple inclusion of monthly reports facilitated the department in completing their jobs.


Another solution to framing traps is to question the reference point of a frame. Using a specific reference to define if a result is acceptable or not is a common technique; however, when a reference is wrong, no accurate conclusion is possible. When thinking about my goals in life, I’ve often compared myself to friends I’ve graduated high school with. This is a perfect example of a misaligned point of reference, as other people’s situation was not the same as mine. For example, some friends that have completed grad school, while I am just beginning it, did not work full time or lived independently.


Using multiple frames when solving an issue can also prevent a framing mishap. In this technique, a person must search and adopt different frames to produce a well-rounded solution. I’ve used this procedure many times including a time where I decided to purchase a home. Many people, of different expertise, gave me a different insight on the best location, mortgage policy, and insurance policy that I needed to acquire. Combining objectives and necessities of different frames allowed me to use a better decision making process. Another frame that could have helped me in this situation was to endurance point of reference is correct. I took lots of advice from family and friends that were not from south Florida but from locations with very different real estate characteristics.


Many risks could have influenced the success of these frame-correcting processes. For example, performing a framing audit could become inaccurate if a visual model does not represent all essential qualities. Even an adjustment of reference could be risked by inaccuracy. Using multiple frames could also significantly delay the decision making process and cause deadlines to be missed.


After completing this assignment, I feel rather proud of the diverse frame I’ve encompassed in the past. That being said, I also realize there are many more techniques I could enforce to improve my frame. In addition to potential improvements of my frame, I’d like to apply the fundamentals of frames to my organization (which can surely benefit from).

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