Hatch kicked off last month with a co-creation session on decision-making, where a diverse group of 30 people gathered to connect, co-create and learn from each other.
Attendees varied from researchers, leaders, anthropologists, scientists, to artists, bringing truly unique and valuable insights to the table. Among these, companies represented included Friesland Campina, Nielsen, ASML, and OMEK.
This article captures insights and lessons learned from this co-creation session, as we develop a new learning program about decision making designed to address key organizational opportunities and challenges.
Decision-making is a vital skill that goes beyond leadership roles, impacting everyone’s life. It implies a sense of responsibility and awareness, empowering individuals to take control of their lives. By making choices, people design their futures, allowing ownership and agency over their personal and professional paths. This ability to decide allows individuals to act on their beliefs and take responsibility for the outcomes.
Progress and direction in life are also driven by decision-making. Without decisions, there is no forward movement; goals remain unattainable. Decisions create clarity, guiding individuals and groups toward accomplishing objectives and driving continuous development. Through the choices we make, we shape our experiences and influence how we perceive and interact with the world.
Moreover, decision-making helps develop crucial skills like intuition, perspective, and cooperation. It is a teachable skill that improves with practice, leading to better relationships and more effective collaboration. In times of crisis or change, decision-making is essential for navigating challenges and initiating progress. On a daily basis, consciously making informed decisions enhances the quality of life, ensuring alignment with personal values and the achievement of both personal and professional goals.
When making decisions, people often experience emotions that can complicate the process. One common challenge is feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available, leading to a sense of paralysis. This abundance of options can make it difficult to commit to a decision, causing indecision and stress.
Anxiety about potential outcomes is another significant factor. The fear of negative consequences can hinder confident decision-making, leading individuals to second-guess their choices. Some people rely heavily on intuition, trusting their gut feelings and instincts to guide them, while others prefer thorough analysis, gathering all available information before making a choice.
Past experiences also play a crucial role, with previous successes and failures influencing future decisions. To gain a well-rounded perspective, many individuals seek advice from others, consulting friends, family, or colleagues. However, the fear of making the wrong choice can lead to procrastination, further complicating the decision-making process.
Balancing logic and emotion is essential, as is managing the pressure to make quick decisions, often driven by external deadlines. Despite these challenges, some individuals remain confident in their decision-making abilities, drawing on their experience and knowledge to navigate the complexities of choice.
Making decisions isn’t always easy, and there are some common hurdles that can trip us up. Fear and poor communication are big ones—people often hold back their true thoughts because they’re afraid to speak up, and when communication isn’t great, important voices get drowned out.
Another issue is not having all the information you need or getting it in a confusing way. It’s tough to make good decisions when you’re not fully in the loop. Plus, when decisions are made from the top down without considering everyone’s input, or when bureaucracy slows everything down, things get even more frustrating.
Then there’s the chaos of trying to manage too much change at once or dealing with conflicting strategies. It can leave everyone feeling stuck. Siloed thinking and unclear responsibilities don’t help either—when teams don’t communicate, and no one knows who’s responsible for what, decisions fall apart. And let’s not forget how personal biases and office politics can muddy the waters, leading to decisions that don’t always serve the greater good.
Here are some tips that might help next time you need to make a decision.
Embrace flexibility. Decision-making isn’t black and white, so be open to changing your mind as new information comes in. Seeking input from diverse perspectives can also give you a fuller understanding of the situation.
Emotional awareness is crucial. Learn to distinguish between gut feelings and intuition, and validate your instincts with data and input from others. Avoid letting fear drive your decisions.
Remember, action breeds clarity. Progress is better than perfection, so don’t rush but allow enough time for thorough decision-making.
Understand your decision-making style, and keep your values in mind. Making no decision is a decision—be brave, gather the right information, and make informed choices.
"Thinking in Bets" by Annie Duke
"Choice Theory" by William Glasser
"Quit" by Annie Duke
“The Go-Giver” book series by Bob Burg and John David Mann
In conclusion, this insightful co-creation session highlighted the complexity and importance of decision-making, emphasising its impact on personal and professional growth. With so many unique perspectives, we learned a lot about the challenges and tricks to making better choices. As we continue to refine this crucial skill, embracing flexibility, emotional awareness, and informed choices will empower us to navigate life’s complexities with confidence.
To bring a Hatch Co-creation session to your team, let’s schedule a brief call to explore the possibilities.
To apply for an invitation to a the next co-creation session on Decision Making in times of rapid change and innovation on 10th of October -> click here
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