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Take More Risks: The Power of Multitracking

decision making

In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on a journey that would reshape world history. Armed with a bold plan, multiple ships, and a crew prepared for the uncertainties ahead, he set sail into the unknown. This monumental event provides a compelling illustration of multitracking—considering several options simultaneously—a strategy that can revolutionize our everyday decision-making.

Multitracking: The Columbus Approach to Decision-Making

Often, when faced with decisions, we constrain ourselves to evaluate one option at a time, a phenomenon known as narrow framing. Columbus, however, didn't place his entire bet on just one ship; he had three—Santa Maria, Pinta, and Niña. This method of multitracking allowed him to weigh various possibilities, thereby making a more balanced and informed choice. By applying this principle in our daily lives, we can enrich our decision-making processes, comparing and contrasting diverse options to arrive at more robust conclusions.

The Exploration Team: Diversifying Your Options

Another intriguing concept in decision-making is the idea of the "exploration team." This involves assembling a group that tackles a task from different domains, thereby introducing varied perspectives.

For instance, a marketing strategy team could greatly benefit from the insights of a product design team, expanding the range of options considered. This broadening of viewpoints is especially valuable in complex decisions where conventional methods might not suffice.

Prevention and Promotion Mindsets: The Balancing Act

In the realm of decision-making, we often oscillate between a prevention mindset—focused on avoiding negative outcomes—and a promotion mindset—aimed at achieving positive results. For example, a prevention mindset may deter us from investing in a risky stock, whereas a promotion mindset might encourage taking the risk for the potential of high returns. The key lies in balancing these mindsets to effectively manage the risk-reward trade-off inherent in every decision.

Risk-Informed Decision-Making: A New Approach

To navigate the complexities of decision-making and manage risks more proficiently, we should adopt a risk-informed approach. This involves broadening our array of options, considering the opportunity costs, and utilizing tools like multitracking to thoroughly explore all available alternatives.

Setting Sail on the Sea of Decision-Making

Are you ready to embark on your own journey of decision-making? By incorporating these strategies—multitracking, diversifying perspectives, balancing mindsets, and adopting a risk-informed approach—you can make more informed, balanced, and effective decisions. Let's start a conversation on how these techniques can transform the way we all navigate our choices.

Join us at RAW2024 in exploring these powerful decision-making tools and share how you plan to apply them in your own life! Whether you're looking to ascend the career ladder, fortify your team's skills, or transition into a pivotal role focused on risk management, RAW2024 can help you succeed.

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