“Never make a permanent decision based on a temporary
emotion. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to lose
control of our emotions, causing us to lose objectivity and
allow emotional reactions to influence important decisions.”
— Irena James, Co-Founder and VP Product Development, CelleClé SkinCare
Dealing with Critics
To make decisions, it’s essential to have
a conviction and to take accountability
for one’s decisions, even when critics
cast their doubts.
“You or someone else can talk you
out of anything if you allow that to
happen,” says Dr. Wong. “Failure should
be seen as a lesson in life. It allows you
to learn and grow. But try not to keep
making the same mistakes repeatedly as
that certainly can dampen your zest in
trying again. In Albert Einstein’s words:
‘Insanity is doing the same thing over
and over again and expecting a different
result.’”
When faced with critics, Harmsworth
suggests hearing out their ideas to
consider all sides.
“Ask their opinion on what they
would do better or differently and then
dissect why that would or wouldn’t
work. It is always important to listen
and be collaborative, but then decisive,”
Harmsworth says.
Carroll takes a similar approach.
“Figuring out why someone is
questioning my decision is typically
where I’d go. Did he or she not feel
included? Did this person not have a
chance to provide feedback? Did I
change my decision after consulting this
person?” she says.
James says it’s important to recognize
where the doubt may be coming from.
“Many people question other’s decisions
due to fear and uncertainty, not because
they believe their judgment may be
better. It’s important to remember this
and to not feel attacked when
questioned,” she says.
Like James, Grande advises not to
over-react when people raise doubts.
“Responding negatively doesn’t really
get you anywhere. I listen and try to
understand why this person is
questioning me. I take it all in, process
it, and later on find a moment to discuss
it meaningfully with them. This can be a
mutually beneficial experience and
encourages trust, increasing everyone’s
ability to make cohesive decisions in a
work environment,” she says.
It takes constant practice to become
better in the art of decision-making. “As
you learn and grow through work and
life experiences, decision-making doesn’t
necessarily become easier but becomes
more efficient, which means less time,
energy and money is wasted in
ineffective solutions or wasted in
procrastination,” says Dr. Wong.
As a whole, it is important to keep
emotions in check when making
decisions. “Never make a permanent
decision based on a temporary emotion.
One of the biggest mistakes we can
make is to lose control of our emotions,
causing us to lose objectivity and allow
emotional reactions to influence
important decisions,” says James. n
WHAT ARE some of the ways to eliminate, if not minimize, biases
when making tough calls at work? Click here to read more insights.
F E AT U R E D S O U R C E S
IRENA JAMES
SARAH CARROLL
SUSAN HARMSWORTH
DR. DIANE WONG
ALICIA GRANDE
Co-Founder and VP
Product Development
CelleClé SkinCare
Assistant General
Manager, Cooper Fitness
Center & Spa
Chairman and Founder
ESPA International
CEO & Founder
Grande Naturals, LLC
FARNHAM, SURREY,
Owner and Medical
Director
Glow Medi Spa
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
DALLAS, TEXAS
UNITED KINGDOM
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK
June 2016
■
PULSE
51