Wait a sec before taking decision under pressure

							                   Wait a sec before taking decision under pressure
Taking a decision under pressure is generally viewed as being unwise because the view is a
decision needs to be taken only after some thinking and there should be enough time to
deliberate on the action to be taken.
The time needed to take a decision, deliberate on the different alternatives and plan on how to
carry out the choice is not available when there is pressure to arrive at an immediate decision.
One solution to this might be to anticipate situations before hand and deliberate on the possible
decisions that can be taken under such situations and then implement the right choice when the
time comes. This is the approach used especially in emergency plans when there is no time to
think or deliberate on solutions.
When a decision has to be made under pressure, waiting for a brief period to think would be
much wiser than to take impulsive or reactive decisions. This waiting technique has been used
by successful people and is particularly useful when complex decisions have to be taken.
This time to think not only gives you some period to deliberate but also provides the individual
or organization that has created the situation to ponder over the situation they have put you in.
The issue then would be on how to create this time to take a decision.
You cannot afford to be reactive when taking a decision especially when your decision can have
far-reaching consequences and you have not had the time to plan for it.
At the same time, taking too much time especially when quick decisions are called for can be
equally risky.
Deciding on the time needed to take a decision is determined on the implications it will have. If
it is a crucial one, then some time is needed to ponder over the choice. If the situation is not that
important and the decision has only advantages and little negative impact, then a quick
decision is fine. Waiting here would be a waste of time.
One should not make the mistake of thinking that all the decisions are the same. The ability to
make the judgment on the appropriate time needed to take a decision determines one’s success.
Ideally, one has to be prepared to take decisions under pressure, and for this one has to learn to
look at a situation from all angles and spot those areas that can give you maximum leverage
when taking a decision. According to a survey, CEOs of top companies are known to display
this trait-they have the ability to spot positions of advantage in new situations and the ability to
process information quickly. This ability allows them to take a decision under pressure of time.
To decide under pressure also requires the ability to take unpopular or unexpected decisions
and the courage to make unusual or out-of-the box choices.
The time taken to decide has to be well utilized otherwise the decision can be ineffectual as
much as a decision taken immediately.
Taking a decision under pressure can be done rightly provided it is planned and the minimum
time taken to choose an option is utilized wisely.