Facing a tidal wave of decisions? Here’s how to navigate
Leaders are bombarded with decisions. A revealing 2023 study by Oracle underscores this reality, highlighting a tenfold increase in the decision-making demands on business leaders since 2020. Astonishingly, 85% of these leaders report suffering from decision distress, struggling to navigate the sheer volume of choices required of them daily.
As a seasoned leadership coach, I frequently address decision-making in my sessions. It’s a common misconception that faster decisions are better. In reality, the essence of sound decision-making lies in identifying priorities and understanding the implications of each choice. And coaching offers a structured approach to hone these skills, saving precious time in the process.
To combat decision fatigue and streamline the decision-making process, consider these strategies:
Time is finite
Rigorous Prioritisation: Time is a finite resource. Evaluate the long-term impact of your decisions. If a task won’t matter in a week, delegate it. This frees up space to focus on decisions that truly influence your and your organisation’s future.
Adopt a Decision Template: Consistency is key. A decision template can help standardize the process, making it easier to compare options and outcomes. This routine approach reduces the cognitive load, allowing for clearer, more confident choices.
Embrace ‘Good Enough’: Perfectionism is a common trap. In many cases, seeking the perfect solution can stall progress. Learning to accept ‘good enough’ can propel you forward, ensuring continuous movement towards your goals without the paralysis of perfectionism.
Decision-making in leadership is an art and a science, requiring a delicate balance between intuition and analysis. The complexity of this process cannot be overstated. Leaders who find themselves overwhelmed by decision fatigue can benefit greatly from structured support and strategies designed to streamline their decision-making processes.
Through coaching, leaders can develop the skills necessary to manage their decision-making workload more effectively, leading to better outcomes for themselves and their organisations.
Ready to improve how you deal with decisions? I am – send me a short message.
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