Better decisions under pressure
When stakes are high, outcomes uncertain and time is of the essence, good quality decision-making is an essential skill. At Ripcord Promotions we have earned a reputation for tackling tough challenges and moving quickly to action. Our work with industry associations and professional bodies takes the form of multi-day, residential conferences for up to 1400 delegates. Meticulous planning, impeccable venues, trusted suppliers and skilled onsite teams all place an event on the perfect path, but no event ever runs 100% to plan. Situations will always arise where good decisions and swift actions ensure that delegates experience that smooth and seamless perfection that forms part of the Professional Conference Organisers’ brief.
So what makes for great decisions under pressure?
1. Arm yourself with information
What sources of information are at your disposal? The more you understand the context, the more likely you are to make a quality decision. Don’t only speak to one person. Consult a variety of individuals who wear different hats and will offer different contributions based on their vested interests. Think about all possible eventualities.
What short-term and long-term effects apply? Who will be impacted, and how?
It can be tempting to think that an expert has all the answers. Sometimes we see ourselves as that ‘expert’ and we become blind to the full situation, advocating a position that may not be the best one.
An inquiry approach means that we focus on asking ‘beautiful questions’, ones designed to elicit more information from a base of authentic curiosity, rather than to judge or confirm an opinion.
3. Build trusted relationships
These relationships assist with gathering the information you need, but they also provide a safe space to run your options or decisions past a trusted advisor. When you are under pressure, you may not see all the options, and a third person may point out risks or opportunities that you have not considered.
4. Prepare for what could go wrong, and keep a cool and compassionate head
Know that unexpected events are likely to interrupt normal operations. This is part of life and business. We can never predict with certainty what will happen but we can make “looking over the horizon” part of our practice, identifying likely events or challenges so that we can prepare for them. The more prepared we are, the easier it is to keep a cool head, as we will already have thought through a few courses of action.
Work on building your compassionate approach and response to others, as this helps to gather necessary information for good decisions, and it paves the way for communicating the final decision or change of plan.
5. Always act with integrity
Stressful situations are excellent times to lead with value-based decision making. Make decisions that are consistent with your value set and the values of your organisation. Actions speak louder than words, and actions add up over time.
What can you add to this list?
Ripcord Promotions is a Professional Conference Organiser with almost 30 years of experience. Let us pull strings for you.