Combating Decision-Fatigue … Together

A study from Columbia University decision researcher (yes, that is a position), Sheena Lyengar, found that on average, Americans make 70 conscious decisions every day. That’s 70 distinct moments of wading through options and committing to a certain choice. And it would be reasonable to assume that a significant amount of these decisions are professional in nature as we spend the vast majority of our waking hours at work.

If you missed our blog on personal decision-making last week, be sure to check it out!

When we are making 70 decisions daily, it’s no wonder that we eventually reach what’s known as decision fatigue – where the mental energy required to weigh the tradeoffs of our decision become too much for us to handle. This is especially true with the professional decisions we are talking about here, which require a significant amount of cognitive grit to weigh the pros and cons.

Decision fatigue in the professional world can seem more significant because it can feel like there are significant ramifications or judgment that comes along with our choice. We are afraid that our boss, or our team, will not agree with our decision. We may not be trusted again … we may not get the promotion … we may lose our job. And down the “rabbit hole” we go– and it’s exhausting.

However, the simplest solution to combat decision fatigue is to utilize the most common resource, which is always around us: people. It can feel difficult to ask for advice or to collaborate when faced with a professional decision. So, we must learn to communicate with courage – meaning we need to say what needs to be said and hear what needs to be heard. When we ask for help, we are not demonstrating weakness, we are demonstrating courage. It may feel vulnerable, but it is truly brave. We are being authentic and showing that we care about the issue enough to seek another perspective.

To create an environment of collaboration, we must build trust with one another. Specifically, we must be willing to give and receive help. And the easiest way to ask for help is to offer it to others. So, check in with your coworkers. Get to know their projects, ask about their progress, and offer perspective or help when appropriate. When we offer help, people are more likely to reciprocate.

When we have allies in the workplace, a true culture of collaboration, we can combat decision-fatigue together. We are not alone. Use the resource that is always around us – each other.

Learn how to strengthen your company culture to focus on collaboration and communication!