MAY 2026 - TIME TO MAKE DECISIONS

WELCOME!

Memorial Day, at the end of the month, is the first long weekend of the vacation season. Have you made any decisions on vacation plans?

We make decisions daily some automatically (a second cup of coffee), more thoughtful (what to buy online) more complex (a vacation or a trip) to major life changes (getting married, career change) etc.

We all have our preferred decision methods to evaluate: What is the best choice for us at the moment?

By now you know I am always looking for tips to enhance my knowledge. This month while browsing at my local library, I found a book “Decision Time, How to Make the Choices Your Life Depends on” written by two UK Professors Laurence Allison and Professor Neil Shortland.

The two UK Professors share their 20 years of research, training and consulting professionals of Fire Departments, Military and Law Enforcement. Their focus is: How to make difficult decisions during crisis situations. 

Their STAR Model goal is to help others make quick decisions with confidence by “…understanding a process that will enable you to use the power you have to be an adept decision maker”.  Their STAR Model process helps one to gain the courage to make that tough decision when you come to a fork in the road by exploring your:

1. Stories & Scenarios – Finding out what you are dealing with.

2. Time Mastery- Knowing when to act and when to hold back.

3. Adaption & Assumptions- How to clarify and assess the situation what to ask for

and how to challenge.

4. Revision & Resilience- Knowing when to revise a plan is crucial.

Professors Allison and Professor Shorland provide key steps to help you answer – “What do you want to do?” and explain “Why you have to implement your intention?”.

These 3 steps are:

1. Commitment: making sure that you are committed and still not thinking about options.

2. Action: not just thinking about what you will do but actually doing it.

3. Goal: ensuring that you know what the point is and being clear about the goal you

want to achieve.

The Professors parting advise –-“Remember what we’ve said: pause, think and consider – but not for too long”.

Decision Time is a fast and interesting read, not only did the Authors develop a decision-making training guide, STAR Model they provided their personal experience during crisis situations.

My bonus, was learning more about my approach to decision making as I applied their action steps and role-play exercises.

What is your decision making style ?

Looking forward to meeting you over a cup of coffee and conversation!

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HAT – A colorful start for an exciting vacation

A deep pink woven straw with a wide brim to protect from the sun.

The black velvet band is finsihed with a simple back tied small bow.