What do you do if your decision making skills falter in high-pressure event production situations?

1 Pause Briefly

When you sense your decision-making is off-kilter, take a moment to pause. This isn't about halting the entire production but giving yourself a brief respite to recalibrate. By stepping back, even just mentally for a few seconds, you allow yourself to view the situation with fresh eyes. This pause can be the difference between a rash decision and a strategic move. Use this time to take deep breaths, which can help reduce stress and improve cognitive function, allowing you to approach the problem with renewed focus.

2 Assess Calmly

Once you've taken a moment to pause, assess the situation calmly. High-pressure scenarios can cloud judgment, leading to hasty decisions that may exacerbate the issue. By maintaining a level head, you're more likely to analyze the problem effectively and identify viable solutions. Consider what's at stake and prioritize actions based on the event's critical aspects. Remember, not every decision needs an immediate response; some situations benefit from a thoughtful approach.

3 Seek Input

You're not alone; your team is there to support you. If you're struggling to make a decision, seek input from trusted colleagues. They can offer fresh perspectives or solutions you might not have considered. Collaboration in event production is vital, and leveraging the collective expertise of your team can lead to better outcomes. Ensure you create an environment where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions, as this will facilitate more effective problem-solving during high-pressure moments.

4 Simplify Choices

Under pressure, complex decisions become even more daunting. Simplify your choices by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. Analyze the components of each decision and consider their implications independently. This deconstruction can make the path forward clearer and help avoid the paralysis that often accompanies overwhelming choices. Simplification also helps in communicating your decisions to the team, ensuring everyone is on the same page and can act quickly.

5 Trust Experience

Your experience in event production is a valuable asset when making tough decisions. Trust in the skills and knowledge you've accumulated over time. Reflect on past events where you've successfully navigated similar challenges. This confidence in your abilities can be a powerful tool in overcoming indecision. Even if the situation at hand is unprecedented, draw parallels from previous experiences to guide your current decision-making process.

6 Adapt Quickly

Finally, be prepared to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Event production is inherently unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans may require on-the-fly adjustments. Flexibility is a cornerstone of effective event management, and embracing adaptability can help you pivot when necessary. If a decision doesn't yield the expected results, be ready to reassess and steer the event back on course with minimal disruption.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?