Have you ever had doubts about a decision you made at work? Even the brightest minds in any field can make snap decisions. Poor choices can lead to significant career mistakes, but don’t let these setbacks hinder your goals. Let’s talk about how to avoid snap decisions and build a career you love!
What does it mean to make Snap Decisions in work?
In the context of work, snap decisions means acting without much thought. This can cause problems down the line, like taking on unwanted responsibilities or quitting a job impulsively. Both scenarios can lead to stress and frustration later on.
It’s easy to rush into things without considering the full impact, isn’t it? We’ve all been guilty of snap decisions in our professional lives! Even the sharpest minds in their fields can fall victim to a hasty judgement.
Let’s be honest, even the Albert Einstein of your department (or anywhere, for that matter) has likely made a less-than-stellar decision at some point. In careers, snap decisions can leave you questioning your judgement, leading to a potential daily dose of defeat and regret at the sound of your alarm.
Right, these decisions can definitely leave you wondering “did I really mess up?” But the good news is, recognising these common snap decisions can help you avoid them next time.
Typical Examples of Snap Decisions You May Have Make
Let’s take a look at some typical snap decisions people make at work, and how to learn from them to make smarter choices in the future:
Jumping at Opportunities
Have you ever bolted for a new opportunity without properly considering how it aligns with your long-term career goals? Only to realise later it was a big mistake that’ll take years to rectify?
That’s a classic example of a snap decision – all action, no reflection. Perhaps you hastily agreed to something in the heat of the moment, only to discover later it wasn’t what you signed up for at all. Feeling pressured to respond quickly to a supervisor or colleague is common, but it’s vital to give yourself some thinking space before committing.
Taking on a New Project When You’re Already Swamped is Another Common Pitfall
Ever said yes to a side project despite a mountain of existing work? Chances are, you struggled to dedicate the necessary focus, potentially leaving a negative impression.
That’s absolutely right. It not only impacts you but also your team members, so it’s crucial to carefully consider your capacity before accepting an offer. It’s important to develop polite ways to decline if something isn’t feasible.
Underestimating Your Ability
On the flip side, sometimes we underestimate ourselves! Have you ever doubted your abilities and turned down a project or opportunity that you actually could have tackled? Knowing your strengths and having faith in your skills are key components of making well-rounded decisions.
Absolutely. Taking on too much at once is a recipe for disaster. The key is knowing when to seize an opportunity for advancement, but also recognising your limitations. Having faith in your abilities is equally important.
Now, let’s look at the other side of the coin. Have you ever fallen into the trap of simply “keeping your head down and doing the job”? Perhaps your eyes glaze over with boredom every time you think about your career path. This can lead to a feeling of stagnation, preventing you from reaching your full potential.
There’s a fine line between seizing an opportunity and taking on too much. The key is knowing your limits while recognising a chance for advancement. Having faith in your abilities is crucial too.
So, you might be wondering, “Why do intelligent people – those who can solve complex problems and reason their way through situations – people like you – completely miss the mark when it comes to choosing their career paths?” The reasons behind these hasty decisions might surprise you. We often assume people make career choices based on genuine desires, acting in their best interests. However, the reality is quite different.
Our decision-making at work can often be swayed by external factors. Take promotions, for example. Perhaps you find yourself putting your hand up simply because your colleagues are doing the same, fearing you’ll fall behind if you don’t. The reality is, the additional responsibilities might not align with your own career goals at all.
Another pitfall is the tendency to follow a well-trodden path, even if it doesn’t suit you. The assumption that there’s a single “right” career path for everyone can be a major source of hasty decisions. It’s important to remember what works for your colleagues might not be the best fit for you.
For instance, you may have left your work to pursue entrepreneurship since it seems like everyone else is doing it. You believe that something is wrong with you and that you’ve somehow settled for a substandard life if you’re not in charge of your own destiny. But you eventually come to dislike the chaotic atmosphere and the burden of having to think about your business all the time.
Something may be appropriate for one individual but not necessarily for another. You have to make decisions for yourself and genuinely do what’s best for you, regardless of what your coworkers or all the job advice online says.
How Poor Advice and Snap Decisions Result in Career Errors
Most people are more prone to using well-intentioned but inaccurate examples as justifications for making foolish decisions since they are choosing based on the professional aspirations of others rather than their own. If you listen to random advice, you might make snap decisions.
Just Follow Your Instincts
You may hear phrases such as: “Simply trust your instincts.” There are moments when making a big decision based solely on instinct is acceptable, such as regarding your health, purchasing a home, or forming connections. But now is not the time to decide on your next professional step.
Consider carefully and objectively which option will bring you closest to your ultimate professional goals to avoid making career blunders. It is imperative that you provide a clear explanation of how and why your choice is the optimal one for your desired career trajectory. You may think you need to have everything figured out by a certain age.
You Need to Figure It Out
Unexpectedly, even if you haven’t found your career calling by the time you’re 35, 45, or even 65, you won’t self-destruct. You should therefore slow down. When a career path is approached as a marathon rather than a sprint, it can be the most fruitful and satisfying.
Explore your hobbies and consider your options before making snap decisions or taking any significant risks.
Ignore the Past and Concentrate on the Future
One of the habits that sets highly successful sportspeople apart is their practice of watching game tape. You shouldn’t berate or criticise yourself for every mistake you’ve made; instead, you should try to learn from each one.
After every failure or snap judgement, it’s crucial to reflect and ask yourself what could have been done better and what lessons have been learnt. You must continue on your current course. The worst thing you can do is try to fit yourself into a mould and be afraid to pursue your passions.
Seek for Advice
Do not feel compelled to follow someone else’s “logical order” or adhere to their instructions. There are multiple routes to success. Always seek out other people’s opinions. The best advice I’ve ever heard is to never seek advice from someone you wouldn’t swap places with. I don’t rely on many individuals, aside from my professional coach and mentor, to help me make career decisions.
You are the best person to drive your career in the right direction. When deciding what to do next, have faith in your own wisdom and past experiences to avoid mistakes. Ultimately, you are in charge of the choices you make.
Simply Listen to Your Heart
To clarify, I agree that you should dedicate some time to discovering your life’s purpose and focus on projects that bring you joy and energy. However, the notion of just doing what you love is simplistic and might result in snap decisions.
Anyone who has discovered work they are passionate about will tell you that their path involved a number of small choices that added up over time. Finding a job you love is undoubtedly the aim, but you shouldn’t put off making selections because you lack enthusiasm for your choices.
Actions to Take When Choosing a Career Path
You now understand why people make snap decisions at work and what to avoid. But when it comes to making career decisions, how can you do it wisely? Make wise decisions by following this advice.
Request time to make a decision
Make a thoughtful decision if you are asked to lead a project, present at a conference, or do anything else that calls for preparation and time. It’s courteous to respond quickly as your supervisor and colleagues might be waiting.
Saying something like, “That sounds like a great opportunity,” would be appropriate. Could I have an extension to consider it until (tomorrow, the end of the week, etc.)?” It’s an effective strategy when the task at hand calls for a significant time commitment or a significant shift in one’s way of living.
What about matters that are more urgent? Say something along the lines of, “I know you need an answer quickly, but the project sounds great.” Could I check my schedule now and get back to you in 30 minutes?” This allows you a few minutes to make sure you actually have the time for the project and to think clearly and quietly.
Consider Your Options Carefully
Reflect on your choices when someone asks you to do something that could alter your career. Consider whether you are content with your profession as it stands and what changes you would make.
Explore any alternative opportunities you might have within the company or potentially with other businesses. In essence, never accept anything unless you are certain it is the best option for you.
Seek Advice From a Trusted Friend or Mentor
As mentioned earlier, it is not advisable to seek guidance from just anyone. However, if you’re genuinely unsure of what to do, seek advice from a friend or mentor.
It’s crucial that your response won’t have an impact on this person. (For example, instead of asking your boss, ask a close friend who works in a related field.) Sometimes the best course of action is to seek the advice of an impartial third party who genuinely cares about you and your career.
As you make your decision, they may offer you a wealth of insightful information. Use these pointers to avoid making snap decisions in your professional life! Indeed, there is merit to the idea of accepting professional errors and drawing lessons from each choice you make.
However, if you don’t have to, why subject yourself to the mental, financial, and professional strain that comes with attempting to make a course correction after the fact?
All of us are capable of making snap decisions that land us in undesirable situations, such as working excessive hours or not enjoying our employment. It may cause us to stray from our career objectives. Remember to take your time, weigh your options, and seek advice from objective people you can trust to make better decisions down the road.
You’re truly intelligent and competent. Now is the time to confirm if your professional choices align with that. Additionally, you can explore how to find a new job if that’s what’s ideal for you and advance your career strategies for growth while you’re at it!
