As managers and leaders, decision-making is vital to our roles in our organizations and companies. Whether hiring new employees or budgeting finances, strategic decisions can determine the success of a team or organizational unit. The constant pressure to make effective decisions can take a toll, leading to decision-making fatigue. This exhaustion can impact our ability to make informed and rational decisions. It is essential to learn how to recognize and overcome decision-making fatigue and to have strategies for getting back on track when we are feeling burned out.
Prioritize Decisions
It can be tempting to want to oversee every single decision that comes your way. However, this is only sometimes sustainable or necessary. To prevent decision-making fatigue, it is crucial to prioritize which decisions you need to be involved in. Consider which decisions have the most significant impact on your team or organization and focus your attention and energy on those. Delegate other decisions to other team members where appropriate.
If you need help with decision-making around prioritization, try using the Eisenhower Decision-Making Matrix. This tool serves as a solution for managing time and making decisions. It assists in distinguishing between urgent and important tasks and determines the need for personal attention or delegation.
Break Down Decisions
Are the decisions you are wrestling with within your control? It is crucial to prioritize and focus on the things that truly matter and fall within your realm of control. Your time is best utilized by contemplating the intersection of these two elements. When faced with complex decisions, making the right choice can be exhausting and overwhelming. A helpful approach is to break down the decision into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make the decision-making process more manageable and allow you to focus on one task at a time rather than tackling everything simultaneously.
Get Input From Others
Decision-making doesn’t always have to be a solitary task. Sometimes, input from others can help you make an informed decision and avoid decision-making fatigue. Reach out to your team, colleagues, mentors, or other experts in your field for their perspectives and insights on decisions that need to be made. This helps share the decision-making burden and brings diverse insights and ideas to the table.
Take a Break
Decision-making fatigue can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. It is essential to give your brain a break from decision-making to recharge. Take time throughout your day or week to step away from work and engage in activities that provide relaxation and stress relief. Exercise, meditation, writing, or spending time with loved ones are all great options to help you recharge.
Decision-making is integral to our jobs, but it is essential to recognize when we feel burnt out and when decision-making fatigue sets in. By prioritizing decisions, taking breaks, breaking down decisions, and getting input from others, we can avoid decision-making fatigue and make more informed choices. By implementing these strategies, we can recharge and return to decision-making with a fresh and clear mind.
