A500.4.3.RB - Ballet Slippers or Adorable?
In America, we are given the freedom to choose
anything we want with very little repercussions. Until this video, which Sheena
Lyengar spoke eloquently about choice, I have never thought about the impact of
choice in my life and how the freedom of choice has the potential to influence
our behaviors and responses.
The art of making choices
can be stressful and having too many choices may potentially cause more stress
than needed. For example, when dealing with children it is best advised to only
give them two choices. Why? If a child is given more than two choices it may
take them all day to decide if they want PB&J, Turkey, or a goldfish
sandwich. The same goes for an adult, too many choices may lead to frustration
because it may take us too long to decide what we really want. This is not to
say choice should be removed all together and we are left without options. Instead,
choices should be limited, as we do for children. Sheena points out here in
America we believe that having more options will lead to better choices,
however; more choices will lead to more stress because we have too much to work
with. It is amazing how the old fashion saying of “less is more” speaks truth
into choice.
We should say no to choice if there is a need. We do
not need another Christmas tree just because it is on sale for a great price
and there are 5 colors to choose from. The only choice in this situation should
be no. As American’s, we should learn to be content with what we have, if we
are not given a choice, then so be it.
For example, when I was
in Uganda, Africa last summer, I had an amazing opportunity to work with
children in the local village. Part of our experience working with the children
was feeding them their only big meal on Saturday morning. Coming from America
where choices are unlimited, this was a culture shock for me. The first time I
served the children they were not given a choice what they were being served; most
of them are living in poverty we cannot fathom here in America, never once did
they complain about the lack of choice. Instead, the children embraced what
they were given and were truly happy with whatever was served on their plates.
On the flip side, here in
America, we are given too many choices and cannot make a decision. Having the
ability to choose is not a terrible thing but if we are given too many choices
we may lose focus of what is important and the real purpose for our decisions.
As a leader, it is
important to ensure those who are working with us are not overwhelmed by
choice. Leaders should provide a balance of choice and limitations to keep team
members from being overwhelmed with too many choices.
