Constance Dierickx, PhD, professionally known as The Decision Doctor®, and author of Meta Leadership, joins me for a discussion about the fascinating topic of leadership decision-making processes.
We make hundreds of decisions every day, from the inconsequential to the major, transformational ones. But how often do we stop to consider how and why we made our decisions? In this episode we dive into the importance of reflecting on decision-making processes and look at the organisational habits that influence decisions. Constance and I explore the relationship between discomfort, emotion, and strategy, and even venture into using scepticism as a positive. With practical applications and high-level leadership concepts, Constance shares valuable insights for leaders looking to improve their decision-making skills.
Discover the power of self-reflection in decision-making processes
Why you should listen: unpacking the patterns and beliefs in leadership decisions
Making room for "crazy" ideas and visionary leadership thinking
We explore scepticism - an underrated leadership strength
Looking outside the organisation for new leadership perspectives
Break out of the leadership bubble with challenging questions
Dealing with decision-making discomfort -using logic and emotion
Take action
What makes you think that? This is the big question to ask yourself and others.
Composure tip: Resolving the shadow self step-by-step process
1. Reflect on Pain
2. Release the Pain
3. Examine Meaning
4. Reorient Goals
5. Invite Support
About Constance Dierickx
Constance Dierickx, PhD, The Decision Doctor®, advises boards and senior executives on the process of change in high-stakes and crisis situations.
Before launching her successful consultancy practice, Constance worked as a broker at Merrill Lynch. There, she observed firsthand the power of emotion and perceptual distortion on major decisions. Her curiosity about the behaviour of clients and colleagues led her to study psychology and business and earn a PhD in clinical psychology, focusing on crisis intervention with individuals and organisations.
Constance is the author of High-Stakes Leadership - Leading through crisis with courage, judgement and fortitude, and The Merger Mindset: How leaders get value from mergers, acquisitions and divestitures co-authored by Dr. Linda Henman. Her latest book is Meta Leadership: How to See What Others Don’t and Make Great Decisions.
Find out more: https://constancedierickx.com/
Key moments
00:00:05 Planet human: Innovative protein made from air and water.
00:04:15 Discovering decision science, studying it privately.
00:09:39 Organisational culture powerful; belief reinforcement; intellectual honesty.
00:11:19 Breaking bubbles important to help leaders grow.
00:16:13 Questioning beliefs, being strategic, job fit, respecting opinions.
00:19:21 Think about decision-making process and relationships.
00:23:33 Strategic decisions evoke discomfort, emotion is key.
00:27:56 Advice ignored, job lost, public confession.
00:30:21 People with healthy self-awareness are less seduced by power, while troubled individuals are more susceptible. A former con artist taught a valuable lesson about avoiding scams.
00:35:03 Amplifiers Academy™️ - online, self paced leadership development
Featuring short video lessons, great checklists and resources and recommendations and book summaries, all there to help boost your leadership thinking and abilities. We focus on leading strategy, leading culture, leading change and leading performance. So if you want a go-to resource that can help boost your strategic abilities immediately, check it out.
00:36:31 Leaders need to understand the context. Pay attention to information, lies, and distortions. Get out of the office and observe. Look for patterns and systemic forces.
00:42:38 Allow crazy ideas, connect actions to purpose.
00:47:19 Explored self-reflection and resolving personal flaws.
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About your host, Canberra leadership expert Zoë Routh:
Zoë Routh is a leadership futurist, podcaster, and multiple award-winning author. She works with leaders and teams to navigate future horizons.
She has worked with individuals and teams internationally and in Australia since 1987. From wild Canadian rivers to the Australian Outback, and the Boardroom jungles, Zoë is an adventurist! She facilitates strategy and culture sessions with audacious teams.
Zoë's fourth leadership book, People Stuff - Beyond Personality Problems: An advanced handbook for leadership, won the Book of the Year at the Australian Business Book Awards in 2020. Her fifth book is a near future science fiction dystopian novel, The Olympus Project.
Zoë is the producer of the Zoë Routh Leadership Podcast, dedicated to asking “What if…?” and sharing Big Ideas on the Future of Leadership.
Zoë is an outdoor adventurist and enjoys telemark skiing, has run six marathons, is a one-time belly-dancer, has survived cancer, and loves hiking in the high country. She is married to a gorgeous Aussie and is a self-confessed dark chocolate addict.