Winning decisions start long before the pressure arrives. To think like a great coach before a high-stakes moment, focus on building the conditions that make fast, clear decisions possible when the pressure is on.
Plan for likely scenarios. Identify the decisions you’re most likely to face and think through them ahead of time. Ask: What information will matter? Who contributes? Who decides? You don’t need to predict the future; you need to reduce ambiguity before pressure arrives.
Control information flow. More information doesn’t always create better decisions. Decide in advance which data matters, who delivers it, and how it should be presented. Prioritize focused inputs over endless updates.
Understand your people. Pay attention during ordinary moments. Notice communication patterns, confidence levels, and behavior shifts. Recognizing how people operate when stakes are low helps you know how to rely on them more effectively when pressure increases.
