Wise business decisions are based upon the good, clear information that is readily available. However, the available information must be sorted and processed by the decision maker based upon the core beliefs and values that he has learned during his lifetime. The decision making process is influenced by the largely unconscious filtering pattern or program that has been learned through past experience.

The phrase that has been developed to describe this sorting process is "meta programs." Meta programs are the strategies that help to guide or manage specific mental processes. While a person is consciously working through a specific process he will be guided by unconscious meta programs that help determine which facts and ideas receive his attention.

In the business environment, conscious mental processes may include the selection of staff, and the training, motivation, and evaluation of staff members. Other processes include the selection of and administration of customer oriented activities, selection and presentation of products, and the promotion of products.

The meta programs that a business person uses while administering their tasks are personality traits that they are largely unaware of in most situations. Identification of the underlying meta programs of key staff members will be valuable to the business owners who can use the information to help predict future success of their staff.

Here are several examples of meta program types that can be identified in individuals in business situations. For one, individuals may filter their decisions according to formal procedures or according to a list of options. This meta program is commonly called a task attitude. Some people prefer to administer their tasks according to an understandable set of procedures. Others may prefer to structure their tasks according to an understanding of different options that are available.

Another common meta program involves task orientation. Some people are comfortable with big chunks of information. That is, they can understand how all aspects of the task fit into a bigger picture, a larger overview. On the other hand, some people are more comfortable handling the small chunks, the important details of the tasks involved.

One of the decision making meta programs involves the fact that some people are comfortable making decisions with external references while others are more heavily guided in their decision making by internal references. For example, decisions that result in good customer service require the decision maker to handle input from customers, supervisors, and peers. A person who prefers to make decisions according to an internal reference may prefer to be left alone while doing their tasks or may find it necessary to filter out certain types of external information as they make their business decisions.

An action oriented meta program is one which distinguishes between goals and problem solving. A sales job, for example, is one which focuses on goal achievement. A different type of job would be one which focuses on overcoming obstacles and solving problems. Individuals may be motivated in a similar manner. Some people excel at being able to focus on goals, while others function well in a problem oriented work environment.

These are the more common meta programs that can be easily identified, and there are many more. Almost any habitual behavior pattern can be thought of as a meta program, but that would lead to a very long list. Prominent authors in the field of personality assessment have identified between 20 and 60 different meta programs.

For business purposes the listing can be pared down to those most appropriate for business. Tests can be created to help screen prospective key employees according to the needs of the specific business. With this information the business can pursue their business strategies while staffed with key employees who will be best suited to administer the overall plan of the business.