DECISIVE DEFINITION:having the ability to make quick, efficient decisions; lacking hesitation CATEGORIES:achievement SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:resolute POSSIBLE CAUSES: Bearing responsibility from a young age Having absent or reluctant parents Having control issues Being driven by the need to succeed Having a strong sense of responsibility The desire to lead ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Acquiring knowledge or skills to make informed decisions Seeing things as black or white Surrounding oneself with people who are skilled Asking pointed questions:Can you guarantee that timeline? Confidence Needing a plan of action at all times Appearing certain even when one is not Demanding honesty and compliance Placing one’s trust in only those who have earned it Choosing to lead rather than follow Becoming frustrated with people who can’t commit or make decisions Disliking ambiguity Fully committing to every decision; not second-guessing oneself Being strong-willed Knowing what one wants and needs in a given situation Being highly logical and rational Being goal oriented Placing the mission before other people’s emotions Tackling problems and situations directly Being in tune with one’s emotions Being able to motivate others Having a strong work ethic Independence Being organized Having confidence and self-esteem Not being ruled by fear or regret (but sometimes being in denial) Taking risks Assertiveness Being a strong problem solver Taking advantage of opportunities Feeling anger or frustration if one makes a mistake Accepting responsibility and learning from one’s missteps Having a positive attitude Determination Making day-to-day decisions quickly (what to wear, what to order off the menu, etc.) Trusting one’s gut instinct ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: Why does she make this so difficult? Just pick a restaurant and be done with it. Becky knows she has homework. Why doesn’t she just sit down and do it? I like what the candidate had to say. He’s the logical choice to vote for. If we elope, we can avoid the million details and family drama and get on with our lives. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, determination, impatience, irritation, scorn POSITIVE ASPECTS:Decisive characters inspire confidence because of their faith in their decisions. Once they commit to a course of action, they look firmly ahead, never doubting their choices. These characters are responsible and make good leaders. They are often a driving force for change in the world. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Unfortunately, these characters can be so invested in their decisions that they’re reluctant to change direction, even when events take a turn for the worse. Since they usually do make good decisions, it can be difficult for them to admit it when they’ve made a mistake. Because these characters draw their conclusions based on logic, they can grow impatient with others who place a more emotional value on their choices. This can lead to friction and frustration on all sides. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:James T. Kirk of theStar Trekfranchise thinks on his feet and makes decisions quickly. He doesn’t prevaricate or second-guess himself. When trouble arises, he assesses the situation, seeks counsel from trusted colleagues when necessary, weighs his options, and takes action. Sometimes his decisiveness makes him rash and reckless, but in his high-risk position as a commander of a Starfleet ship and crew, his ability to make quick decisions serves him well.Other Examples from History and Film:George S. Patton, Gordon Gekko (Wall Street), Captain Miller (Saving Private Ryan) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:defensive, easygoing, flaky, foolish, forgetful, gullible, indecisive, irresponsible, lazy, worrywart CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE DECISIVE CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Having to make choices with a partner who is wishy-washy PLOTLINE: Working in a field where one is restrained by rules, safety committees, and regulations PLOTLINE: Having to make a decision in an area where one lacks knowledge PLOTLINE: Knowing the right thing to do but being held back by a partner who refuses to listen to reason PLOTLINE: Making decisions only to have them overridden by one’s employer