I like to keep a nonfiction book in my purse so that I can pull it out if I find myself with a few minutes – waiting in line at the post office or the grocery store, or in a parking lot for carpool duties.  I don’t often get to read more than a few pages at time this way, but have found that this pace has enriched my enjoyment of several books.  This is the case with my current “carry”, “Switch: How to Change Things when Change is Hard”.  The authors, Chip and Dan Heath have drawn from research and have included real-life examples which serve as great food for contemplative thought as I put the book down and drive to my next destination.

Chapter 3 “Script the Critical Moves” highlights how we (humans) shut down when faced with too many choices.  The first study on how doctors make decisions was particularly eye-opening and a bit scary.  In the absence of specific rules or guidelines regarding patient care, the doctors actually experienced decision paralysis when presented with multiple options.

As we go about our lives, how often do we unwittingly overwhelm people with a vision, a request or a command because it seems intuitive and expect them to know how to take the next step?  Two years ago, I told my son to “get a job”.  He didn’t.  I told him again – still no results.  Then I asked him where he wanted to work and I realized that he didn’t know.  After our discussion, I gave him a list of three places to apply and asked him to walk into each one and ask for an application.  He did that the next day and became gainfully employed within the week.  I had initially left him with too many options and he didn’t see the path.

I also see a direct correlation of the Heath’s language “script the critical moves” to my work.  I find the best results when working with my clients – in career transition or in leadership development – is always when they see both the vision of what is possible and also have specific  “homework” to perform. When they have their assignments, they don’t need to clutter their thinking with multiple options and their productivity increases as they direct their thoughts toward simple actions that will help them reach their goals.

Our work and home lives are filled with many circumstances where we expect results and have not communicated the guidelines necessary to drive behaviors that will achieve those results.

The chapter made some great distinctions that I will ponder, and overall was a good reminder that in a decision-making environment,  well-thought-out guidelines will help lead the way.