Role of Emotions in Decision Making

A632.9.3.RB

In this video, Prof. Baba Shiv of Stanford University talks about the importance of emotion in decision making. After watching this video, reflect on two situations; one, in which you were extremely confident of the outcome and what your attitude was towards the subject; and second, a situation in which you would less confident or not so confident and how you felt about the situation. Based on this module's readings and this video write a reflection blog detailing the situations above and describing the role emotion plays in decision making. Identify three emotional reactions for each scenario.

To envision a leader without emotion can be a difficult task. In fact, as we think out who we believe were/are effective leaders, many if not all had some form of passion and energy that was contagious to their followers. Such emotion is important as Professor Baba Shiv (2011) discusses in this week’s assignment. Prof. Shiv noted the importance of evoking emotions in decision making as it has an essential impact on others and their behavior. According to Prof. Shiv (2011), there are three significant benefits to include emotions in decision making:

1) Passion is very persuasive.

2) Confidence is very contagious.

3) The extraction of the utility from the experience.

The fist example of when I became very passionate and confident as a result of decision making occurred while as a cadet in the Army ROTC. Prior to taking part in the ROTC program, I spent the majority of my time and energy getting stronger and faster for football and wrestling. Believing that my athleticism, strength, and explosiveness would help me be a good fit in the program, I learned quickly that those particular characteristics we not suited in a profession that required endurance and mental agility. Thus, guys half my size were out performing me in many aspects. I came to the conclusion that I needed to adjust my frame of mind and decided to focus more time and energy with endurance activities over holiday break in preparation from the following semesters physical training (PT) test. I put in countless hours training, running distance, and hills. When the new semester began, as a program, we conducted a PT test to see where everyone was at in fitness. Needless to say, physical fitness is an essential ingredient as an effective military leader. Going into the PT test I felt extremely confident in my ability to reach a perfect score (300 points). After completing the three events of: push-ups, sit-ups, and 2 mile run; I accomplished my goal of reaching a perfect score. Coming in as a bulky football play to becoming a physically fit in the eyes of the military, others cadets noted they felt there was hope for them. Furthermore, my efforts also demonstrated to my instructors that I was ready for increased responsibility and leadership positions.

The other example in which passion and confidence was lacking occurred while I was deployed and serving as an Iraqi Police Transition Team (PTT) Chief. At the time, there was a big effort to get Iraqi police stations (IPS) up and running with training and equipment in order to increase stability and local security. One of our main challenges was the complete lack of accountability Iraqi police leadership would place on equipment, weapons, and ammo. Wanting the police stations to be successful, my PTT leaders (US Soldiers) and I spent a significant amount of time working with the police leadership on tracking, accountability, and logistics in general. Of course, these efforts were communicated in my weekly/monthly assessments. However, at one point, we received notification that there was a massive shipment of equipment (from coalition forces) that would be used to complete fill each Iraqi police stations shortages. Initially we expressed the need for such equipment, weapons, and ammo, but that the systems involved in maintaining, tracking, and accounting for it was none existent. Long story short, we voiced our concerns about the likelihood of this equipment disappearing, but were nevertheless directed to ensure the equipment was delivered to the IPS. As dutiful Soldiers, we ensured that the task was successfully accomplished. However, as a result of the lack of passion and confidence, this did not feel like the “win” we were working hard for. In fact, this event although successful, felt more like a step backwards emotionally.

Reference

Shiv, B. (2011). Brain Research at Stanford: Decision Making. Stanford University. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRKfl4owWKc.