An article in The Scientist about a new discovery about a part of the brain that operates to achieve “goal-directed” actions got me thinking.

It says

• “Exposure to chronic stress causes alterations in brain anatomy that may compel rats to rely too much on routine, even when a change in circumstances calls for a change in behavior.”

Obviously they are implying that the same may apply to humans as well.

The problem with Habits

Habits, systems and processes are a great way of conserving resources and making decisions more efficiently, as they don't require constant evaluation and re evaluation of the outcomes, as they are known.

So driving home from work, for example, quickly becomes a matter of routine, leaving your mind free to daydream without missing a turn.

However, some situations require alterations to such routines, such as stopping by the grocery store on the way home, in which case goal-directed action is necessary for reaching your destination.

Last year at a meeting with Jeremy, a prospective client, it was apparent that the business was under financial stress, as was he. The numbers spoke volumes and it was blindingly obvious that the cause was their pricing process. We spent 10 minutes brainstorming alternatives, options and ideas and with all the lifelines he was presented with, he avoided making a decision around the choices provided.

"Cool hand Luke"

When we are forced to make decisions under duress, this is exactly the time when we need to make better decisions, but invariably don't. Hindsight is wonderful and serves to highlight the problem even more so.

How we make decisions under stress, and how stress clouds our judgement and decision making processes is something that gets largely ignored.

The interesting concept, that this research raises, is that when we are stressed we are more than likley to return to old habits, than take the decision we know we should.

What's the alternative?

A simple process that get's the options down on paper is what's needed.

But there are so many alternatives available!
One more reason to get those options out of your head, onto some paper, into a logical format and get rid of the distress that is being experienced.

1. What's the status quo and the alternatives available?
2. What are the key drivers that you need to chose from to compare the alternatives?
3. What weighting do you place on these?

D3 is one of the tools we work with to cut through the clutter to assist with better decision making under stress.

But what about ...?

Strategic decision making begins with the big picture not the minute detail.

Jeremy was stuck with all the options and all the numbers and all the what if's, going round and round inside his head. D3 put him back in control and enabled him to see the best option without the decision being clouded by a lack of structure.

Re read those three questions, grab a piece of paper and take action.
Procrastination is another sign of stress.

D3 is one of the tools the Mastermind groups, Business Bites Workshops and Challenge Networks utilise to help them create a future bigger than their past.