DECISION FATIGUE

We have multiplied in a unique way this year. Roughly a dozen volunteers have taken on lots of things. While this is great, lots of questions get thrown at me from every department. Decision fatigue has been getting to me!

The fatigue has been a challenge to manage. Smaller problems that don't specifically need me to be the one solving them are making it to the top of my chats. The bigger things that I really need to get done, that others don't really know about, are slipping through the cracks. It's been good to have some discussions about this with the ladies I'm in communication with most. We're seeing the same theme that nobody wants to overstep. I value that and it is appreciated. 

I had to find a way to reduce the decision fatigue. I recall one of my first bosses in the fashion industry. The first week on the job, I would ask things like “how should I reply to this email?” She told me to come back with a solution to propose for her review instead. I didn't realize it then, but she was training me in the best ways. At times, I gave her solutions that truly needed ditching and replacing, but thinking it through first was key to my growth. The mindset of “don't ask, tell” got me promoted to a become a Director at a young age. 

I'd like to encourage our team to feel empowered to decide, without feeling like they are overstepping. We're realizing wording is key to how much back and forth any scenario will end up taking. Questions that are worded in a way where a yes/no answer is possible are somehow a breeze! Open ended questions that start with how, when, and what are more likely to end up in discussion. That's when I forget about that truly urgent task I needed to get done.

Yes/No questions remind me of the “don't ask, tell” approach. For our volunteers, it means an idea has to be thought of first, rather than asking me for the idea. I think our team is a brilliant group of ladies who understand the Elegantees values quite well. It's been good to see the ideas coming in - they are really good ones, and a fresh point of view!

Out of all the things to share today, I can't seem to think of anything else, but I want to share on Fridays as consistently as possible. Perhaps if you're someone who is feeling the weight of decision making too, this thought process may help you in other ways.

Love always, Katie