5 Questions to Optimize Your Next Decision

It's Tuesday afternoon, and I'm sitting at a Jason's Deli in Beaumont, Texas. I scheduled a bit of solo time to step away from our family's baby watch*, hit the gym for a workout, grab lunch, and -- in a well-timed moment -- respond to a client who called for some In The Moment coaching on a hiring decision he's making.

There's a good chance you're in the process of making a decision, which is why I'm sharing the five questions I just ran through with my client. Before you review these questions, I'd like you to think about a decision you're making (or will be making). Take three minutes and jot down the questions you'll review to optimize the outcome of that decision. Use this list to supplement yours and get to a better decision, faster.

1. What are you optimizing for? 

Here's an example we can all connect with: Let's say you've been approached about a big, new exciting opportunity with another organization. Before you get too far in the process, be sure to pause, pull up, and get super clear on what you're optimizing for with a potential change. A set of experiences that increase your brand equity? Better work / life integration? Increased compensation? Once you have clarity on what you're optimizing for, the path to that decision becomes clearer, too.

2. What are the range of possible outcomes?

Quickly locking in on a path provides a sense of control in a world that often seems out of control, and it helps us take one more thing off our overflowing list of action items. Yes, that feels good and, it's good to take a moment to pause, pull up and identify at least one or two other options. The perspective from pausing and pulling up can often unblock and unlock a better, more optimal path.

3. Does someone need to look under the hood?

When I first got sober I remember hearing, "If you're new, let someone look under the hood before you drive the car off the lot." Translation: you're healing, so don't make big decisions without checking in with someone first. I'm still healing. And that's still a terrific reminder to reach out to my 'pit crew' for feedback.

4. Do you need to hit pause?

Have you ever been close to making a decision and felt a body sensation or 'tug' to pause? The next time you experience that sensation, be sure to pause, pull up, and take some nice deep breaths to fully drop into your body. I have to remind myself that my body is trying to help me. Yours is, too. When you're sensing that pause, pause! But if there's a decision to be made by a certain time, then make it. Otherwise someone else will make it for you, and that's not good.

5. Are you confident in the decision?

Make sure 100% of your energy will be focused on executing the decision - not revisiting the decision multiple times.

Of the five questions noted above, what's the one you often overlook and want to put into more consistent practice moving forward? I'd love to hear your answer. Please reply to this email; I read every response.

One final note: On November 15th I'll be attending LUMA's Digital Marketing Summit at the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, CA. I'll be moderating the Customer / Digital Experience. If you're attending the summit, let's be sure to connect!

*I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of Conrad Augustus Kiker, who was born the day after I finished writing this newsletter: October 26th. That happens to be my birthday, and I'm grateful I now have a "birthday buddy" to celebrate it with!