HBR On Leadership

How to Make Better Decisions Under Pressure

Jan 29, 2025

Carol Kauffman, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Institute of Coaching, dives into the art of decision-making under pressure. She challenges the notion that leaders rely solely on instinct, urging a more adaptive approach. Kauffman introduces the MOVE framework, emphasizing self-awareness and emotional regulation. Through engaging stories, she illustrates the importance of combining ego with humility and cultivating a culture of positive decision-making. Discover how different leadership styles can influence effective choices in high-stakes environments.

28:14

Episode guests

Carol Kauffman

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Leaders should avoid relying solely on past experiences for decision-making and must adopt a more agile and innovative mindset during high-pressure situations.

Utilizing the MOVE framework enables leaders to generate diverse options and engage effectively, fostering a culture of thoughtful decision-making within their organizations.

Deep dives

The Importance of Dynamic Decision-Making

Successful leaders must recognize that relying solely on past experiences can lead to ineffective decision-making, especially in high-stakes situations. Carol Kaufman argues for a more dynamic approach, encouraging leaders to reevaluate problems with an expansive mindset and to adapt their strategies accordingly. This involves creating mental space to consider different perspectives and options rather than falling back into automatic responses. Kaufman emphasizes that while familiarity can be beneficial, it is crucial for leaders to be agile and open to innovative solutions when faced with challenges.

Intro

3min

Navigating Leadership Under Pressure

15min

Navigating Leadership Complexity: Balancing Ego and Agility

4min

Cultivating a Culture of Positive Decision-Making

5min

Embracing Unique Leadership Styles in Decision-Making

3min

Many people believe that leaders instinctively make the best decisions based on past experience, almost like muscle memory. But Carol Kauffman, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and the founder of the Institute of Coaching, challenges this view. She explains why falling back on automatic behaviors can lead to poor decisions, especially when the stakes are high.

In this episode, Kauffman outlines her framework for sound decision-making in high-pressure situations. She also shares real-life stories of leaders she has coached through difficult decisions and offers insights into how to navigate high-stakes challenges effectively.

Key episode topics include: leadership, leadership styles, strategy, decision making and problem solving.

HBR On Leadership curates the best case studies and conversations with the world’s top business and management experts, to help you unlock the best in those around you. New episodes every week.

· Listen to the original HBR IdeaCast episode: Why Leaders Should Rethink Their Decision-Making Process (2023)

· Find more episodes of HBR IdeaCast.

· Discover 100 years of Harvard Business Review articles, case studies, podcasts, and more at HBR.org.