Day 22: Deciding in the Real World – Emotions, Ego and Stakeholders
It’s a trickier decision when emotions run high, egos are on the line, and everyone’s watching.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
KEY INSIGHT: Real-world decisions happen under pressure, with competing interests and emotions running high. Great decision-makers don’t avoid these forces – they plan for them by recognizing when fear is driving them, when ego is protecting them, and when others’ expectations are clouding their judgment.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Think of a recent decision where you felt pulled in multiple directions. Which of the three forces was strongest? What would awareness of these forces have changed?
TODAY’S EXERCISE:
Before your next important decision, pause and ask:
• What am I feeling, and how might it be limiting my options?
• What story am I telling myself about why this choice is necessary? Am I trying to protect my reputation, or am I trying to make the right choice?
• Whose approval am I seeking, and is that helping or hurting my judgment?