How to make optimal decisions in times of stress
Workplace stress and decision-making are common, especially for corporate managers who must make crucial decisions. Stress can impair decision-making if not managed.
Loss of responsibility, demotivation, tiredness, incomprehension, frustration, etc. have serious effects on teamwork. Here are five strategies to help you make confident judgements during a challenging time and handle work stress.
Work stress can affect emotions and judgement. Inner distress can cause rash, subjective decisions. Emotions cloud decision-making due to lack of perspective.
Take your time to regroup. Meditation, thought, and introspection help managers analyse their stressful reactions.
Evaluate the problem without delay. What causes the issue? The desired outcomes? Who should be contacted for collaboration? Could alternatives be suggested? These questions show decision-making steps.
Answering calmly lets you apply technical and systematic thinking to the topic without being overwhelmed by emotions. Methodical and organised behaviour reduces stress on analysis and favours reasonable reasoning.
After listing the major questions, write applicable answers. Relevant because it handles the problem clearly and realistically. Plan strategy implementation for each response. Assess resources and urgent limits. What human, technological, and financial resources can you mobilise in the coming hours, days, and weeks?
Managers must make decisions that are clear to them and to those who must work together to address problems. This prevents interpretation issues and implementation delays. The solution must be reasonable in time, space, budget, and human resources.
We always advocate communication to reduce job stress on team morale and involve employees in problem-solving. Consult your personnel to emphasise cooperation throughout the crisis rather than the problem itself. Crisis management and team empowerment boost cohesion.
As a manager, you must make the final decision with some responsibility. For the best decision, mobilise your close colleagues, especially those whose position, know-how, ability, or abilities can help you solve the problem. This prevents scattering and improper solutions. For decisions that will significantly impact part or all of the firm, choose open communication to inform, reassure, raise awareness, and minimise the disastrous effects of collective stress.
Stress is caused by workload overload, tight deadlines, poor organisation, and isolation. However, stress is not always negative. To make stress a beneficial and challenging aspect for the team, “prepare the ground” before urgent problems erode team connection.
Managers should create a good, productive workplace with open communication, cooperation, and fair responsibility sharing. Monitor your team's social and working environments. A well-coordinated, company-focused workforce will help you make tough decisions in a crisis.
Join training to help you decide under pressure. This course for experienced managers prepares you to handle stress and decision-making in a changing workplace. You'll receive personalised support and improve your agility to make smart business decisions.
In conclusion, if work stress is inevitable, focus on the proper kind. Avoid emotional overwhelm, be transparent and realistic, involve coworkers, control workplace stress, and train yourself for improved performance.