To Settle or Not Settle? That is the Question.
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator
Everything in life starts with a decision. In fact, life is full of decisions, big and small. For some people, making decisions comes easy, naturally and quickly. According to Malcom Gladwell, the author
of “Blink”, there are two strategies our brains employ to make decisions. Quick snap decisions follow one strategy. According to Gladwell, the unconscious part of our brain, way below the surface, is capable of processing information in the blink of an eye, in a nano second. Contrary to popular belief, quick decisions, those made with little to no deliberation, are often based on feeling or intuition. These snap decisions have often been found to be more superior than those made after a thorough analysis.
For those that are not adept at making quick decisions, it can be an arduous and difficult process, requiring deep thought and analysis. According to Gladwell, this is the second strategy that our brains use to make decisions. This strategy requires that we consciously record and process information, break it down, analyze it, and weigh the pros and cons to come to a rational, well thought out decision. This information processing strategy is often slow, and requires more time. Ironically, it is not always the most superior.
During this process, some people succumb to “paralysis by analysis”. “Paralysis by analysis” can be stifling. It generally stems from overthinking and overanalyzing every little detail of an issue. It creates a loop that often generates more questions or issues than actually exist. Mark Twain said it best when he said “I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
As a mediator, I often work with anxious parties mired in paralysis by analysis, who have trouble making decisions. The biggest decision being to settle or not to settle, that is the question! In order to help them break through the paralysis by analysis stage of indecisiveness, I take them through a decision-making process using active listening, patience, empathy and dialogue. I often use creative thinking to provide out-of-the-box solutions to assist them in making decisions. This process consists of several key steps which can be applied to any life scenario, which are:
1. Analyzing the problem by breaking down the issues step by step.
2. Assessing the information allowing for fact-based decision making.
3. Prioritizing by importance, weighing pros and cons.
4. Using data and facts to reduce emotion and increase logical thinking.
5. Recognizing patterns, strengths and weaknesses and apply to issues, and
6. Brainstorming by using creative thinking by remaining openminded.
I have found that following this process helps to break through the loop of paralysis by analysis allowing for clear thinking, effective communication and successful resolution. Mediation works because mediation works. I look forward to mediating with you. Schedule today.