Certain professions require a certain amount of quick decision making on a daily basis. People like doctors, fire fighters and even stock traders receive extensive training so that they can make capable decisions in a little amount of time.
Even if you don’t face such critical decisions on a daily basis in your job, preparation can make a big difference on the occasion where you need to think on your feet.
How do you think fast on the job? Business experts at Wharton School say your depth of knowledge on a particular subject is the key.
* Know what your primary objective is. If it’s to serve customers, your actions relate to that goal. If you operate a machine or heavy equipment, your primary goal is personal safety, and fast decisions focus on avoiding injuries.
* Use team members effectively. While making a fast decision may be required, it may not have to be instantaneous. Depend on your team. Gather information that others have and consider it before you make a fast decision.
* Check with the experts. A Wall Street trader has to act pretty fast to take advantage of a situation. Before she does, however, she checks with known experts in the field to find out what’s going on with a particular company whose stock is going up or down.
* Prepare ahead for certain crises. Whatever your job, there will come a time when you face one. Think of various crisis scenarios and what you could do.
All of your fast-action decisions may not be the best ones you could make. But if you are prepared, sought counsel, and have done the best you could under the circumstances, you can forgive yourself if you’ve made a less than ideal call.