Decision-Making During Disruption
Journalism, as an industry, has been rocked by disruption.
More than ever, it is critical for journalists at every stage in their careers to think flexibly, move nimbly and develop strategies that integrate insights from multiple sources.
To solve for this industry-wide need, Columbia Journalism School is delighted to launch a new learning series with Cheryl Strauss Einhorn, '92 M.S.
She will teach complex problem solving in times of significant change, using the AREA method. AREA is an evidence-based decision-making system that uniquely controls for and counters cognitive bias to expand knowledge and improve judgment.
Over four, one-hour online sessions (4 total hours of class time), you will learn:
- The five approaches to complex decision making (Problem Solver Profiles);
- How to identify your own dominant approach, and the strengths and biases baked in;
- How to assess the dominant approaches of others in your workplace,
- How to work across intellectual difference and teams to reach mutual decisions;
- The AREA Method decision-making system;
- How to include stakeholder perspectives;
- How to collect and analyze data;
- How to challenge biases;
- How to determine evidence diagnosticity;
- How to use failure to strengthen decisions.
- How different Problem Solver Profiles use AREA and why, even with one system, different decision-makers may prioritize different data and arrive at different decision outcomes to create alignment and strengthen decision-making together.
Class time will be used for both lecture and small group work.
Classes will be held from 12:30-1:30pm ET on Tuesdays in October: October 8, October 15, October 22, and October 29. Students should expect to work on and complete assignments in the time between class sessions. The final product will be a self-selected high stakes decision taken through the AREA Method.
Cost and Registration
The class is $125. Journalism School Alumni and Columbia University students, faculty and staff receive discounts. Register here.