BETTER DECISIONS UNDER PRESSURE

Improve Your Decision-Making Under Pressure

THE COST OF BLIND SPOTS

Every executive can name a decision they'd take back—one where the warning signs were there, but no one said anything. Or they said it, and no one listened.

One survey from 2023 showed that only 49% of executives were confident in their organization’s ability to make decisions. And, according to PwC, 57% of executives say they’re not making decisions quickly enough — and missing opportunities as a result.

This isn’t due to a lack of intelligence or data, but because leaders lack the knowledge and ability to create relationships with people who will tell them what they don't want to hear.

The higher you rise, the harder it becomes to get the truth. And the cost of not hearing it can undermine your career.

THE INSIGHT

Trusted relationships don't just support you—they expand your thinking when you need it most.

Research shows that relationships built on mutual trust and respect lead to better decisions. Empowering another person to hold you accountable and expand your perspective gives you more than a supportive ally—it creates space to explore doubts and make better choices.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

This program strengthens decision quality by helping leaders identify and cultivate relationships with people who will challenge their thinking—not just support their position.

Developed from research on ethical leadership and high-stakes decision-making at the University of Pennsylvania, the framework moves leaders from confirmation-seeking to truth-seeking. Participants learn to build what we call trusted voices: people who care enough about you to tell you what you need to hear.

This isn't about inviting criticism or playing devil's advocate. It's about building relationships that expand your thinking precisely when pressure narrows it.

THE FOUR-PART FRAMEWORK

Part 1: Get to Know Your Trusted Voices

Identify 2-3 people using specific criteria: Does this person demonstrate consistent ethical behavior? Does our relationship encourage principled action even when difficult?

The goal is identifying colleagues who will help you see clearly rather than simply support your position.

Part 2: Examine Your Blind Spots

Before important decisions, assess:

• What assumptions am I unconsciously accepting?

• Am I seeking input or validation?

• Where might my reputation be wrapped up in this outcome?

This helps detect hidden assumptions, especially when you're most confident.

Part 3: Request Honest Challenge

Reach out to a trusted voice: describe your situation and current thinking, then state clearly, "I'm hoping you'll challenge my thinking rather than support my position."

This creates explicit permission for genuine dialogue.

Part 4: Integrate What You Learn

Pay attention to what feels most threatening—this often signals important blind spots. Ask yourself: What patterns emerge? How can I separate ego from analysis?

This transforms confirmation-seeking into truth-seeking.