The Importance of Pausing in Decision-Making

In decision-making, taking time to gain perspective is crucial. Acting too quickly can lead to errors and regrets, as illustrated by a personal anecdote of providing inaccurate project estimates. Implementing a rule to pause before responding, especially under pressure, helps avoid emotional reactions and ensures thoughtful decisions. This approach is endorsed by Daniel Kahneman, who advocates pausing to prevent hasty, regrettable agreements. Applying this strategy in various situations, such as handling triggering messages or leading teams during layoffs, proves beneficial. The key is acknowledging control limits and communicating actions taken, fostering trust and clarity.