To Decide or Not to Decide? That is the Question.

Every day is filled with decisions. We don’t have to think too much about our daily routine decisions. For example, I don’t have to think about the exact amount of toothpaste I will put on my toothbrush. I don’t weigh the amount on a scale, I just put “enough” on the toothbrush. Actually, if you’re like me, you don’t think about much until after the first cup of coffee.

Some people purposely make decisions in advance. Did you ever notice the Silicon Valley executive who wears the same outfit every day? The theory is that by making lower-level decisions in advance, they will reserve their brain power for higher-level decisions. They are trying to prevent what Dr. Roy Baumeister has dubbed decision fatigue.

In the 1990 Baumeister theorized that the act of decision making reduces one’s reasoning power. If someone makes many decisions in a short amount of time, their reasoning power diminishes leading to a higher possibility of making a poor decision. Some suggest, that  decision fatigue, causes all kinds of poor decisions. Did you ever hear anyone say, “I had so many choices I gave up and said, give me—that one. I didn’t want it; I was just tired of making decisions.” This scenario is familiar to those who‘ve purchased a car, home, boat or even a vacation package.

Middle leaders: beware of decision fatigue!

Middle leaders are prone to decision fatigue. It can creep up on them like a cat on a mouse. Their position in the organization’s middle makes them susceptible. Middle leaders have to please many people. This alone is enough to drain one’s decision-making ability. Also, because of their responsibility both upward and downward in the organization, massive amounts of information crosses the middle leader’s desk. Having to process this information further drains decision-making capability. 

One middle leader told me she has to make so many decisions she even makes decisions in her dreams. What can the middle leader do to help fight decision fatigue?

In an article titled: When Thinking is Hard: Managing Decision Fatigue, Brandon Oto gives advice for EMT and paramedics on preventing decision fatigue. His advice applies to middle leaders.

First, middle leaders should work to reduce the decision load. This means knowing when to pass on decisions that others can make. Being willing to give us some control for the benefit of clear thinking, decision making, and planning helps to stave off decision fatigue.

Second, try to make habits of routine decisions. Maybe you don’t have the choice to wear the same outfit every day, like the Silicon Valley executive. But, having a daily routine with pre-made decisions will help save brain power. When you don’t have to think about little decisions, you will have more decision-making power for big decisions.

Third, try to eat well. Believe it or not, nutrition plays a role in decision fatigue. According to Oto, staying off of the sugar roller-coaster through the day can control mood swings that can further diminish decision-making ability.

Finally, try to be present and aware of your mental state. Sometimes you need the help of others. Decide in advance that if you find yourself in a state of exhaustion, you will ask someone for help.

Doing all you can to prevent decision fatigue will give you a decided advantage when impotant decisions have to be made. More importantly, it will help you think more clearly and be a better middle leader. You’re important, and your role is critical. Doing everything possible to prevent decision fatigue is actually a great decision.