For me, the one thing that gets me really motivated is new ideas. I find that I do my best work when my mind has time to roam. If there is a problem that I need to solve, the answer usually comes to me on a long car ride or during my daily shower. I’m not good at making decisions quickly, but I’m great at making decisions and I find that I usually make good ones – if I have enough time to think them through. Everyone is different. For some people, if they have too much time to think through a problem, they end up overanalyzing and can even end up in decision paralysis.
As you grow throughout your career, there are going to be a lot of times when you must make decisions. Some will be small; some will be really big. Some will be easy, and some will be very hard.
It’s important to reflect on how you make the best decision. The best leaders that I have worked with have been the ones that understand their own personal decision-making process and don’t stray from what works best for them. They are comfortable saying “I need time to think it through” or “I’ll get back to you once I consult with the broader group/leadership team”.
Here are a few things to consider when making a big decision:
- How long do you need to decide?
- Who do you need to weigh in on the decision?
- Do you need alone time to think it through?
- Who is impacted by the decision?
- What’s the deadline?
Minute with Mandy 