How to Overcome Decision-Making Fear: Harvard Edition
Have you ever felt that nowadays we are not just facing occasional crises, but we are living in an era of "Perma-crisis" where crises keep piling up, whether it's related to the economy, climate, or AI disrupting everything?
As the world changes rapidly, the old ways of thinking we used to rely on may no longer suffice. An article from HBR suggests that instead of rushing to find answers, effective leaders should start with "the right questions".
Here are 4 key questions that can help you make sharp decisions, even on days when the path ahead seems unclear:
1. "One year from now, will today’s decision still seem reasonable?"
When under pressure, we often choose to solve immediate problems. However, this question encourages us to think long-term. It helps ensure we are not hastily addressing issues in a way that could lead to negative consequences in the future. It checks whether we are genuinely moving in the right direction or merely reacting to the situation.
2. "If this situation becomes a case study in a year, what lessons will it teach about our leadership?"
This question goes beyond just outcomes; it asks about our "identity" and the "culture" we are building. It shifts our perspective from urgent problem-solving to establishing standards. How do we want our team to remember us? As a courageous leader with a strong stance, or as someone who sacrifices everything for short-term numbers?
3. "What if this chaos is not just a temporary 'storm' but a new 'climate' that will persist?"
It's time to stop hoping that "things will return to normal." This question prompts us to stop waiting and start adapting. If uncertainty is the new norm, we cannot just patch up leaks; we need to build a robust system that can withstand it in the long run.
4. "What is the cost of continuing to 'wait'?"
In a crisis, our instincts often tell us to "wait and see" for certainty. However, the reality is that doing nothing may have a higher cost than we think! This question transforms fear into opportunity, encouraging us to act before the market collapses or before we lose valuable momentum.
Waiting for everything to settle before making a decision is like waiting for a train that may never arrive. You don’t need to know the future precisely, but having "the right questions" can help you make smarter and more flexible decisions.
