Whether you’re resolving a complex billing issue, or advising your leadership team about a business proposal, the ability to effectively make decisions is a valuable asset for any compliance officer.
So, how can you make better decisions? Here are five tips that will help.
1. Develop Self-Awareness for Decision-Making
I’ve learned that the more I become self-aware of a skillset, the more I improve my abilities to execute it. The same is true for making decisions.
In particular, focus on how you make decisions. For example, do you engage in making too many decisions at once (i.e. decision fatigue)? Do you tackle the most important decisions when you are well-rested and focused? Do you avoid making significant decisions when you are upset or hungry?
By being in tune with how you make decisions, and aligning them with best practices for good decisions, you will improve your ability to execute effective ones.
2. Be Intentional About Narrowing Your Choices
I’m a strong advocate for exploring alternatives to any issue. I think it’s a great practice for how you approach compliance work, but too many options can become counterproductive to making decisions (i.e. “paralysis by analysis”).
If this is a challenge for you, then consider using a framework to eliminate options. For example, my wife and I often use a “3-2-1” trick when picking a restaurant. The first person throws out three options. The second person removes one choice. Then the first person picks between the two remaining choices.
3. Consider the Big Picture
As you are making a key decision, are you giving thought to the long-term implications? For example, if you are deciding to investigate an issue, what does the end of the investigation look like before you get started? How will the result affect you and others in the future?
Taking a big picture approach to your decisions helps identify and prioritize what is most important.
4. Learn to Tolerate Uncertainty
In the ever-changing world of regulatory work, uncertainty is a constant companion. To help manage uncertainty, shift your perspective by reframing it as an opportunity for growth instead of a threat. Also, work to develop a flexible plan with realistic goals and contingency plans for obstacles.
While it’s impossible to predict every twist and turn, taking this approach will position you to make better decisions while navigating uncertainty.
5. Practice Decision-Making
Consider practicing key decisions to help improve your ability to execute them. If you’ve ever watched an NFL game, you’re probably familiar with “The Two-Minute Drill” a team on offense uses to move the ball and score points while strategically using up the clock. To pull that off, the coaches and the players have to regularly break down and practice the steps.
The same can be applied to compliance work – whether it is simulating a response to an EMTALA survey or navigating a large-scale privacy breach.
Like any skill, decision-making can be improved through practice and deliberate effort. By following these tips, you will improve your confidence and make better choices that lead to positive outcomes. You also will be able to be a more passionate defender of your program and work to regulators, and a more effective advocate for compliance within your organization.
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Jay is a compliance professional and consultant in Colorado. He is a healthcare lawyer with significant industry knowledge of the U.S. healthcare market. Over the past 20 years, he has worked for large for-profit and non-profit health systems and small physician-owned entities. In tackling the countless regulatory and operational issues for these diverse organization types, he has developed a deep understanding of the business of healthcare and the regulations governing the industry.
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