Category Archives: Decision making

#179 A sniff test

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To assess a situation, you can do extensive research or you can use a sniff test.

The former is required when you have to establish the problem and solution without a shadow of doubt. The latter is sufficient when speed is critical and more information will not necessarily improve the quality of the decision.

Sniff tests are used all the time: first impressions are the best example. A chance encounter with an influential executive is another. Your first response to a question from your boss is yet another.

Prepare for sniff tests well in advance. Just because a sniff test takes a couple of seconds does not mean you don’t need to do a lot of work to pass it.

Yes, sniff tests are impacted by the bias of the sniffer. Suspend judgement and embrace this reality, prepare harder.

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#165 Expecting imperfections

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When starting a conversation, problem solving session, or project, it is good to be optimistic. The positive energy will build momentum. But sooner or later the storm clouds will gather. Something will go wrong. The team will enter the “storming” phase.

You may be tempted to enter a conversation, problem solving session, or project with a sense of resignation. If problems are inevitable, you might conclude that it is better to force the issue, expose the problems, and get it over with.

This is a mistake. The negative energy will dampen motivation and the downside is far greater than any time saved.

Far better to just be in the moment, try to prevent problems, deal with problems as they arise, know they are impermanent, act upon them with a sense of urgency, not a sense of panic. Don’t say “I knew it” or “I told you so.” No matter how upset you are, blame will just make things worse. Find a healthy way to release your stress and tension.

Program management and group facilitation is a development opportunity for some co-workers. If you lack this skill, then work on developing it with a sense of urgency (not a sense of panic).

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