Starry nights, veils, and leadership: insights for better decision-making
Starry Night Yellowstone NP. Photo Credit: OSS (my husband)
Have you ever thought about how the absence of light can reveal the most stunning views? When we camp in remote areas, my family and I marvel at the starry nights. This natural spectacle is in stark contrast to the limited view of the stars from the windows of our home in the city. And I can’t even imagine the view astronomers must have from space.
Exploring nature offers unique perspectives. In another example, looking at side views of rocks reveals layers of Earth formation, stories of millions of years. However, a view from above can simplify that complex side mosaic.
All of this makes me reflect on how varied our perspectives can be, how different internal and external factors cover us with “veils.”
In the business world, understanding how we perceive and interpret information is crucial to effective decision making. Our veils, shaped by experiences, culture, and environment, affect our vision. It sounds known but it is not always applied, and recognizing this can help us make more informed decisions.
Under the interpretation of what I call veils, two key concepts in decision making are: perception and cognitive complexity.
🔍 Perception, a dynamic process.
Perception is not passive; it is an active process of selecting, organizing, and interpreting information. Each team member’s unique perspective enriches discussions and problem-solving.
🧠 Cognitive Complexity, beyond the obvious.
Cognitive complexity involves constructing multiple frameworks to understand issues. Diverse teams bring various perspectives, leading to more robust solutions.
Considering these concepts, here are 7 tips to improve leadership and decision making:
Embrace uncertainty: Acknowledge that not all answers are clear-cut. Rigid beliefs can hinder progress.
Seek constructive dissent: Surround yourself with people who challenge your views. Discomfort can drive growth.
Value diversity: Each team member’s unique perspective can reveal different facets of a problem.
Consult varied sources: Seek out information that challenges your viewpoints to gain a fuller perspective.
Verify information: Distinguish between facts, opinions, and misinformation. Critical evaluation is essential.
Use AI wisely: AI can process data quickly but can’t always discern truth from falsehood. Your judgment remains key.
Stay open to change: Be willing to adjust your perspective in light of new, better information. Flexibility is a sign of growth.
In conclusion, when we think that “we are seeing everything”, it is important to review our points of view in order to make more informed and effective decisions.
