Now more than ever in our lifetime, the speed of decision-making is putting business leaders to the test. As we navigate through the uncertainties of the current pandemic, filled with urgency, imperfect information and huge stakes at risk, taking too long to make decisions can be detrimental.
Being indecisive causes missed opportunities and employee frustration. The longer we take to decide, the longer our people continue in the wrong direction or just stand still.
How do we make the best decisions in today’s conditions?
Pause and Prioritize
The first step is to pause and take a breath. It might sound counterintuitive, but it’s essential now. In crisis mode, it’s tempting to jump from one urgent task to another, with knee-jerk reactions that lead to poor outcomes.
Research shows the simple act of pausing, even for a couple seconds, allows the brain to focus on what’s most important. You might tell your team you need a moment think. Or, use the “balcony” perspective of imagining yourself above the fray, observing all the dynamics at play, and allowing a broader, more strategic view. Pause and prioritize the most pressing issues first, then stay disciplined to ignore all the distractions.
Follow the 10 Commandments of Good Decision-Making
Check out the e-book, DECIDE: The One Common Denominator of All Great Leaders. Here, Gino Wickman shares four discoveries on how to make better decisions and a simple process for doing so.
Note the “The 10 Commandments of Good Decision-Making” on pages 15-18. Commandment #9: Thou Shalt Enter the Danger, is especially pertinent for today, as seen here in the excerpt:
“The issue you fear the most is the one you most need to discuss and resolve. In tough times, people tend to freeze. When you’re afraid, your brain actually works against you. Research shows that when we are fearful, we use the back part of our brain, the amygdala. That’s our primal brain, developed thousands of years ago to protect us from predators. It’s our fight-or-flight response, which doesn’t serve us well when solving business problems. We become reactive and tactical, rather than strategic.
“You must shift to the prefrontal part of the brain – the rational and critical thinking part. That will serve you well in the decision-making process. The way to do this is to simply list all of the things that are worrying you: All of the problems, concerns, and fears. You can do this as an individual during a Clarity Break or as a leadership team in one of your meetings. Being open and honest will enable you to confront and solve your critical issues and get moving forward, faster!”
To boost your brain biology and reinforce staying in the prefrontal brain, check out the “Scary Times Success Manual” from Strategic Coach, an organization that helps entrepreneurs stay positive and find opportunity in adversity.
Decision-making during uncertain times is not easy. The approaches above can help leaders make smart decisions quickly to guide their organizations through this crisis – potentially setting the stage for new strategies and innovations that lead to new levels of growth.
Sending care to you, your teams and your families during the Holy Week and throughout 2020.
All the best,
Chris
“Every test successfully met is rewarded by some growth in intuitive knowledge, strengthening of character, or initiation into a higher consciousness.”
― Paul Brunton, The Notebooks of Paul Brunton
Make Better Decisions With This E-Book
Check out the e-book, DECIDE: The One Common Denominator of All Great Leaders. 
Here, Gino Wickman shares four discoveries on how to make better decisions and a simple process for doing so.
Note the “The 10 Commandments of Good Decision-Making” on pages 15-18. Commandment #9: Thou Shalt Enter the Danger, is especially pertinent for today, as seen here in the excerpt:
“The issue you fear the most is the one you most need to discuss and resolve. In tough times, people tend to freeze. When you’re afraid, your brain actually works against you. Research shows that when we are fearful, we use the back part of our brain, the amygdala. That’s our primal brain, developed thousands of years ago to protect us from predators. It’s our fight-or-flight response, which doesn’t serve us well when solving business problems. We become reactive and tactical, rather than strategic…You must shift to the prefrontal part of the brain – the rational and critical thinking part.”
To shift to your prefrontal cortex, participate in a Clarity Break either as an individual or a team. Create a list of all of the things that are worrying you. Once you honestly list all of your problems, fears, and concerns, you will be able to confront these issues head-on and continue moving forward.