Riding the Waves of Decision Making

When the tides of leadership decisions roll in, we often believe we're riding the waves of rationality. After all, leaders are known for their calculated choices, right? Yet, the truth is, our decisions frequently sail on the winds of emotions, often leaving rationality on the shore.?

Picture this: you're a leader facing a crucial choice. You gather data, analyse outcomes, and list pros and cons. You feel confident that you're making a rational decision. But unbeknownst to you, emotions sneak in through the back door. It's the excitement of a potential success or the fear of a failure that whispers in your ear, changing the course of your choice.

Why does this happen??

We can find an answer in the prospect theory. This theory suggests that humans don't evaluate choices in absolute terms but rather in relation to reference points. As humans we steer towards pleasure and move away from pain. This means that we are more sensitive to potential losses than gains, and we often let emotions guide us toward risk-averse or risk-seeking behaviour. In leadership, this could mean choosing a safer option due to a fear of loss, even if a riskier path might yield better results.

So, what's a leader to do when emotions and rationality are locked in this constant tug of war? Here are some tips:

• Acknowledge Emotions: Recognize that emotions are not adversaries but companions on your leadership journey. They provide insights that rationality might miss.
• Pause and Reflect: When faced with a decision, take a moment to reflect. Are your emotions clouding your judgment? What reference points are influencing your evaluation?
• Diversify Perspectives: Seek input from your team or peers. Different viewpoints can offer a clearer picture of the decision's potential outcomes and reduce the sway of emotions.
• Set Decision-Making Criteria: Establish a set of criteria that align with your goals. When emotions surge, these criteria can serve as anchors to keep your decision on course.
• Embrace Healthy Risks: Don't shy away from risks solely due to emotional discomfort. Evaluate potential gains and losses objectively to make decisions that align with your mission.
• Learn and Adapt: No decision is immune to the tides of uncertainty. Embrace the outcomes, whether positive or negative, as learning opportunities for future choices.

Navigating the waters of leadership demands a steady hand on the wheel of rationality, while acknowledging the winds of emotions. As leaders, we're not just steering ourselves but also our teams and organisations.?

By acknowledging that we are far and foremost emotional beings and not the rational beings we would love to be, we can adjust our sails and create a ripple effect of well-balanced decision-making.

So, set sail! Chart your course with rationality as your compass, and let your emotions be the wind that propels you forward. Just remember, it's the harmony between the two that creates the most meaningful journeys and lasting impacts.

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