Following Your Head or Heart in Decision Making: Which is Better?

July 25, 2013 by rjm Leave a Comment

We all make decisions every day; from where to go to lunch to what job offer to pursue. In making these decisions, we generally use one of approaches: the head (thinking) or the heart (feeling). Research shows that peoples preferences for each of these approaches is split 50-50, though women generally tend towards feeling and men towards thinking. Both of these options can be effective and rational approaches to the decision-making process. But, which one is better? In six studies with 112 participants, reported by PSYBLOG, researchers found that neither thinking nor feeling was a superior approach to decision-making. Each of these approaches had its strengths and weaknesses. The researchers commented that those who relied on the head tended to have stronger general knowledge and academic performance, while those who preferred the heart were warmer in social situations. There is, however, a better answer to the question of which is better: thinking or feeling? That answer is both. In an additional study, the researchers discovered that people who prefer one approach over the other can be led to use their less-preferred approach in making a decision. This way, they have access to the advantages of both thinking and feeling approaches. This can lead to better decisions. The theory of personality type suggests that we each have a preference between thinking and feeling. Yet, the theory also stresses that the preference does not indicate an exclusive use of one approach over the other. Those who prefer thinking can use a feeling approach to decision-

making and those with a feeling preference can use their heads the think through a situation. Making better decisions involves making the most of our preferred process, while developing our ability to use our non-preferred process as well.

Intelligent Communication Below the Line Thinking The Intelligent Communication approach to interpersonal communication assists people in accessing both their thinking and feeling functions. The four step below the line thinking component of Intelligent Communication includes steps that encourage both using the head and using the heart. The analysis step of the process emphasizes critical thinking in the development of hypotheses concerning the data we are receiving from others during communication. The integration step that follows it, encourages using the heart, but having individuals consider the data from the others perspective. These two steps enables the Intelligent Communicator to make better informed decisions and plan their next step in light of these decisions. We are currently teaching psychological type concepts in a series of webinars on Wednesday afternoons. For more information, visit our webinar hub. If you miss the live broadcast, we have recorded webinars available on the Past Meetings tab of our webinar hub. If you are interested in how the Intelligent Communication approach can help you use both your thinking and feeling processes, you can check out one of our free online courses that introduce the concept. Best wishes as you develop both your thinking and feeling skills and remember to be swift to hear and slow to speak. rjm