Wise to be ‘choice less’ – A HR message

Choice or choicelessness favour quick decisions? The truth is that decisions and developments are possible not when plenty of choices are available but only when they are scared and scanty or otherwise limited and costly.

But most corporate believe that only when plenty of choices are available best selection is possible. Therefore in every corporate meeting, the corporate bosses discuss a lot about having multiple choices. The simple reason for the corporate people to believe in such philosophy is to engage people to do something or keep them busy.

While recruiting a candidate even for a junior most position, the corporate leaders and HR function in a collision with each other, advertise, shortlist and then call several candidates for interview. They engage in such busy activity for two to three days or more only to create an impression that even for the junior most position; they are so choosy and want only the best candidates. They scan through a wide variety of choices to choose the best. The corporate that are directly governed by the entrepreneur/single man are the one that witnesses such melodrama as melodramas can easily impress the top person.

Another reason for people seeking a variety of choices in corporate is only due to the fact that they do not want to take any decisions. To avoid, postpone and delay decisions, people often go for or ask for more choices. When more choices are asked for, naturally it evokes a feeling that the bosses are very strict and a perfectionist. Further, until more choices are available, the bosses can avoid taking any decision.

If we look at nature, we can easily understand that the diversity of animals living together only because they adapted to overcome the limitations and not searched for more choices. The aquatic plants adapted well to live is aquatic ecosystem and so are dessert plants. Deer and cheetah have developed their uniqueness only because they were not after multiple choices.

The suggestion is not against choices or choosing. But people should never become prisoners to such trait that only through choices and choosing, best results can be achieved.

In creative thinking, people should never use the logic of choices. Each trait has its own usefulness and demerit. Therefore, choice and choosing should not be used as a universal tool for everything. Being choice less is also an advantage. Understand the above truth and develop newer skills and uniqueness to surpass your choice less state.

Dr. S Ranganathan