Beyond Bound | Decision-Making When the Heat is On

Welcome to Beyond Bound, a dynamic professional development series tailored for coaches and Athletic Directors (ADs) who navigate the intricate world of decision-making in high-pressure situations. In this episode, hosted by the seasoned former AD, Mark Gunderson, we delve into the art of making crucial decisions when the heat is on. The team explores best practices, including Gunderson's renowned 1-3-1 method, drawing on their wealth of experiences as coaches and ADs!

Pressure Decision Making: Minimizing Risk for a Brighter Future
In the high-stakes realm of athletics, decisions made under pressure can significantly impact the trajectory of a school or team. To navigate these challenging scenarios successfully, consider the following key principles:

1. Gather Information and Seek Input:
   • Engage with individuals in the trenches, drawing insights from those directly involved.
   • Consult with people who have walked in your shoes to benefit from their experiences.
   • Seek input from colleagues and superiors to gain a comprehensive perspective.
2. Utilize Discussion, Debate, and Questioning:
   • Encourage dissent and disagreement within your team, fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints are valued.
   • Embrace open dialogue, allowing you to see the issue from multiple angles.
   • Empower your team to share ideas without fear of retribution.
3. Timing is Crucial:
   • Take the necessary time to gather information, ensuring a well-informed decision.
   • Balance the need for thoroughness with the urgency of the situation; don't let the decision-making process become a barrier to seizing opportunities.
4. Be Willing to Fail (Become a Better Failure):
   • Recognize that failures often serve as valuable learning experiences.
   • Embrace mistakes as opportunities for personal growth, building strength and wisdom.
   • Understand that an unforgivable mistake is one that has been repeated; learn from each failure to avoid repetition.
5. Consistency in Decision-Making:
   • Maintain consistency in your decision-making approach to establish trust and reliability.
   • Keep a finger on the pulse of your team, students, or organization, adapting decisions to meet evolving needs.
   • Set aside personal preferences and biases, prioritizing the greater good.

The 1-3-1 Method:
Mark Gunderson introduces the effective 1-3-1 method for making decisions under pressure. This structured approach involves:

1. Identifying the Specific Challenge:
   Clearly define the problem or challenge at hand, ensuring a focused and targeted decision-making process.
2. Identifying Three Viable Options:
   Explore and evaluate three distinct options, considering their strengths and potential outcomes.
3. One Specific Recommendation:
   Narrow down the options to one specific recommendation that aligns with the team's goals.
   • Share this recommendation with a trusted individual who can serve as a sounding board, providing valuable insights and perspectives.

Consider Future Outcomes:
Always look beyond the immediate decision and consider the potential future outcomes. Evaluate the long-term impact of your choices to ensure they align with the overarching goals and vision for your school, team, or organization.

Navigating high-pressure decision-making requires a combination of strategic thinking, open communication, and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. By adopting best practices, including the 1-3-1 method, coaches and ADs can steer their teams toward success even when the heat is on, creating a legacy of effective leadership and thoughtful decision-making. Tune in to Beyond Bound for more insights from experienced coaches and ADs who understand the challenges and rewards of making decisions in the world of athletics.

Bound for Greatness Podcast

Bound for Greatness is a podcast that addresses current issues facing athletic professionals and also offers leadership strategies for coaches and athletic administrators. Coach and athletic administrative veteran, Scott Garvis, tackles the issues facing education based activities from a unique perspective; sometimes irreverent, sometimes cynical, and sometimes serious. Scott covers current topics while also providing leadership lessons from his career as coach and administrator.

Lead More & Manage Less in your role as an Athletic Director with Bound – the ultimate platform designed to support and assist athletic administrators with software and services backed by experiences athletic leaders. Built by AD's Just like You, Bound revolutionizes athletic administration, streamlining tasks and unlocking more time for strategic leadership. Click on the button below to discover how Bound is transforming the game. Elevate your game with Bound!