Situational decision-making is about making effective and pragmatic decisions or choices and considering the specific situation or context, thereby avoiding a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. It involves identifying different options, along with the benefits and risks associated with them, and their alignment to professional principles and values.
Given the ever-changing nature of work, decisions need to remain flexible enough to adapt to new insight, circumstances or changes, and we should be diligent about evaluating their impact in order to inform future practice.
Great practitioners not only bring with them knowledge and experience, but the ability to assess each situation independently - using insight and awareness to ensure they are providing the best possible solution to any circumstance. They’re curious and seek to understand the specifics of the context, and then flexible, thoughtful and creative in their delivery. We don’t live in a one-size-fits-all world and our workplaces are no different. Policies and procedures provide guidance; the skill of the practitioner is in the application."
Situational decision making standards
Each standard progresses through four levels of impact. Which level do you most embody in your day-to-day work?
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