Surgeons and physicians are trained to be good decision makers. And we are very good decision makers, but there are plenty of reasons why we might need help with the decision-making process. It could be as simple as the complexity of the problem or the importance of the decision.
If you are like me, I feel like I have decision fatigue from making so many decisions on a daily basis. Maybe we’re good at making decisions for others, but show blindspots when making decisions about our own path forward. The reason matters little and the same is true in any situation – physician coaching supports the decision-making process.
The decision-making process can be broken down into seven distinct parts:
1. Creating Your Process
A coach can help us reflect when making a decision or help us refine our decision after our mind is made up. It’s important to keep in mind that a coach is not going to tell us what to do.
2. Gathering Relevant Information
When we have a big decision, information gathering is a critical step. This can come in many forms and a coach will help us analyze and reflect on what will be helpful in making a decision.
3. Identifying Other Opportunities
Do we have other options? What have we not considered or thought of and dismissed? In the reflection process a coach will help us identify alternative options.
4. Considering the Evidence
Once we have gathered the information and considered the options, sorting through what’s relevant and what’s noise might be just as important. During the course of the coaching partnership, a coach will help us decide what is important and what is not.
5. Making The Decision
Now it’s time to make a decision. A coach is there to support what we decide and limit judgment of our choices. They may challenge us, but that’s because they want us to truly consider that our decision matches our values, beliefs and priorities.
6. Action Time
Then comes the moment we love or dread – time to act. A coach can hold us accountable to act and move our choice forward.
7. Reflecting On Our Decision
Reflecting on our decision, actions, and the consequences are each part of managing all that is uncomfortable. A coach will help us filter the consequences so that we stay on track with the key learning points for continued growth.
Reflecting on our decision, actions, and the consequences are each part of managing all that is uncomfortable. A coach will help us filter the consequences so that we stay on track with the key learning points for continued growth.
We can approach this process on our own with our inner critic and various cognitive biases, or we can leverage the bright mind of a physician skilled in coaching to lead us in a reflective and creative process that does this more efficiently.
If you want to talk with a trained Physician Coach or support other surgeons in the creative coaching model, reach out to [email protected].
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