I trained in the early 1980s with a physician who served as a Navy ship's doctor. He diagnosed the captain with alcoholism (the captain repeatedly needed help boarding after binges). Doctors function as gatekeepers. Ultimately, he relieved the captain medically "for cause," recognizing personal career risk. This situation was not unique.
The ongoing NCAA recruiting scandal presents systemic choice. When a system rewards corruption, then it incentivizes corruption ("everyone cheats"). When tough choices confront us, what's our process?
1. What would the rational person do in this situation? Cheating is not an option. Take a breath, step back and look in the mirror.
2. What psychological barriers exist to 'doing right'? We have parallel 'systems' defining our choices, the 'x' (reflexive) system, automatic response, and the 'c' system (reflective) controlling complex decision making. Fear (reflexive) is our most immediate impediment, fear of failure, fear of being caught cheating. Lack of experience (reflective) can produce paralysis by analysis. Overconfidence and arrogance can mislead us into a Custer choice. Framing also impacts decisions. "Win at any cost" may overpower 'color within the lines."
3. What are the likely consequences of my choice (what if)? Sometimes "black swans" produce catastrophe, illuminated in When Genius Failed, the story of the collapse of John Meriwether's investment fund. What are the worst case scenarios? For example, playing in the face of multiple or unresolved concussions risks permanent brain injury. "Life or death" situations set up impossible choices, such as Wagner Dodge's at Mann Gulch. Michael Useem writes, “If you have difficult decisions to make and insufficient time to explain them, a key to implementation may be loyal allies who are sure to execute them through thick or thin.”
4. Am I wrong? We may lack knowledge or evidence. Bill Walsh shared his willingness to adjust during games in The Score Takes Care of Itself. But sometimes ego interferes. Oscar Wilde remarked, "I can resist everything except temptation." John Calipari has a "personal board of directors" who help him with life decisions. Stress, fatigue, illness, or have improper motives (e.g. pride, revenge) impair judgment. Do we seek the best way or my way?
Kevin Eastman simplifies the process, "do it better, do it harder, change personnel, $#%& it ain't working." You can apply this to business or basketball strategy.
5. How can I correct it? When we drive past our exit on the highway, do we continue indefinitely or find a way to get back on the right road? Excellent choices require "ego control" to guide us without destroying self-confidence. Ryan Holiday writes in Ego Is the Enemy, “Do you know how you can tell when someone is truly humble? I believe there’s one simple test: because they consistently observe and listen, the humble improve. They don’t assume, ‘I know the way.’”
"I am better today if I realize I am wrong."
Lagniappe: Brendan Suhr Horns set
