Final answer:
The first step in the decision-making process is to identify the problem, which includes understanding the given information and what needs to be found. This step is crucial for setting the stage for subsequent problem-solving steps such as analyzing the problem and evaluating alternatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
First Step in the Decision-Making Process
The first step and key element in the decision-making process is to identify the problem. This involves determining what needs to be resolved, by identifying the given information and understanding what the problem is asking you to find. This can often involve analyzing complex problems to figure out the unknowns, which helps in clarifying the issue at hand. Making a list of these unknowns can be particularly helpful in organizing thoughts and setting the stage for the next steps in the decision-making process.
Once the problem is clearly identified, it sets the groundwork for the subsequent steps, which are to analyze the problem, evaluate alternatives, and ultimately make a decision. Without properly identifying the problem, it's challenging to move forward effectively and develop a viable solution.