The Five Types of Decision Makers

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 72 views

Decision making is a crucial aspect of any organization, and it plays a significant role in determining the success or failure of a business. There are various types of decision makers, each with their unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore the different types of decision makers and help you identify which one you are.

The Five Types of Decision Makers

Mystic: A mystic is a decision maker who relies heavily on intuition and instinct. They often make decisions based on their gut feeling, without considering the facts and data. Mystics are often creative and innovative, but they can also be impulsive and reckless.
Agonizer: An agonizer is a decision maker who is indecisive and struggles to make a decision. They often weigh the pros and cons of each option, but they can get stuck in analysis paralysis. Agonizers are often perfectionists and want to make sure they make the right decision.
Evader: An evader is a decision maker who avoids making decisions altogether. They often delegate tasks to others or put off making a decision until the last minute. Evaders are often afraid of taking risks and making mistakes.
Fatalist: A fatalist is a decision maker who believes that their decisions are predetermined and that they have no control over the outcome. They often feel helpless and lack conviction in their ideas. Fatalists are often pessimistic and negative.
Plunger: A plunger is a decision maker who takes bold and decisive action. They often make decisions quickly and without hesitation. Plungers are often confident and assertive, but they can also be reckless and impulsive.

Identifying Your Decision Making Style

To identify your decision making style, ask yourself the following questions:

Do you rely heavily on intuition and instinct when making decisions?
Do you struggle to make a decision and often weigh the pros and cons of each option?
Do you avoid making decisions altogether and delegate tasks to others?
Do you believe that your decisions are predetermined and that you have no control over the outcome?
Do you take bold and decisive action when making decisions?

John's Decision Making Style

John constantly needs assistance from his colleagues at work. He feels helpless and lacks conviction in his ideas. Based on the characteristics of each decision making style, we can conclude that John is a Fatalist. Fatalists often feel helpless and lack conviction in their ideas, which is consistent with John's behavior.

Implications of John's Decision Making Style

John's decision making style has significant implications for his work and personal life. As a fatalist, John may struggle to take initiative and make decisions, which can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness. He may also struggle to build confidence and self-esteem, which can impact his relationships and overall well-being.

Overcoming Fatalism

If you identify with John's decision making style, there are steps you can take to overcome fatalism and become a more confident and decisive decision maker. Here are some tips:

Practice self-awareness: Recognize your thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to fatalism.
Develop a growth mindset: Believe that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and dedication.
Take small risks: Start with small, low-stakes decisions and gradually work your way up to more significant ones.
Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you to take action.
Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Conclusion

In our previous article, we explored the different types of decision makers and helped you identify which one you are. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about decision making styles.

Q: What is the difference between a Mystic and an Agonizer?

A: A Mystic is a decision maker who relies heavily on intuition and instinct, while an Agonizer is a decision maker who is indecisive and struggles to make a decision. While both types of decision makers may be creative and innovative, they approach decision making in different ways.

Q: Can someone be a combination of two or more decision making styles?

A: Yes, it is possible for someone to exhibit characteristics of multiple decision making styles. For example, someone may be a Mystic who also struggles with indecision (Agonizer). Understanding your decision making style is not about categorizing yourself into one specific type, but rather about recognizing your strengths and weaknesses.

Q: How can I overcome my decision making style if I don't like it?

A: Overcoming your decision making style requires self-awareness, practice, and patience. Start by recognizing your thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your decision making style. Then, take small steps to change your behavior, such as seeking support from others or practicing decision making in low-stakes situations.

Q: Can I change my decision making style if I'm not happy with it?

A: Yes, it is possible to change your decision making style, but it may take time and effort. Changing your decision making style requires a willingness to learn and grow, as well as a commitment to practicing new behaviors. It's also important to recognize that your decision making style is not fixed and can evolve over time.

Q: How can I support a colleague or friend who is a different decision making style than me?

A: Supporting a colleague or friend who is a different decision making style than you requires empathy and understanding. Here are some tips:

Listen actively: Listen to their concerns and ideas without interrupting or judging.
Avoid criticism: Avoid criticizing their decision making style or telling them how they should make decisions.
Offer support: Offer support and encouragement as they work to overcome their decision making style.
Be patient: Be patient and understanding as they work to change their behavior.

Q: Can I use my decision making style to my advantage in the workplace?

A: Yes, you can use your decision making style to your advantage in the workplace. For example, if you're a Mystic, you may be able to use your intuition to make quick and innovative decisions. If you're an Agonizer, you may be able to use your analytical skills to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

Q: How can I balance my decision making style with the needs of my team or organization?

A: Balancing your decision making style with the needs of your team or organization requires communication and collaboration. Here are some tips:

Communicate openly: Communicate openly and honestly with your team and organization about your decision making style and how it may impact your work.
Seek feedback: Seek feedback from your team and organization about your decision making style and how it may be impacting your work.
Be flexible: Be flexible and willing to adapt your decision making style to meet the needs of your team and organization.
Collaborate: Collaborate with your team and organization to find solutions that work for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, decision making styles are complex and multifaceted, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to decision making. By understanding your decision making style and being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each type, you can make more informed decisions and work more effectively with your team and organization.