Have you ever been stuck in a situation where you became too overwhelmed by a problem and could not make even one decision?

What is Analysis-Paralysis?

You could be suffering from 'analysis paralysis', a term used informally to describe the state of being unable to decide because of excessive overthinking. When an individual is faced with multiple variables, they endlessly research solutions rather than taking action and making a choice.

Analysis-paralysis theory was supported in 2000 when psychologists Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper conducted a study about consumer decision-making, where consumers were about 10 times more likely to purchase jam from thetable with fewer six types of options compared to the one with 24 options, their findings reveal.

Their theory suggests that making decisions, even seemingly small ones like buying a jar of jam, consumes mental energy. The more choices consumers have to analyze and compare, the greater the mental effort required. As a result, it becomes easier for individuals to avoid making a purchase altogether rather than navigating a complex array of options.

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The Socratic Questioning

Effective leadership demands decisive action, according to CVS Health CEO Karen Lynch.

Individuals across all career levels frequently encounter challenges in decision-making, often becoming immobilized by an "analysis-paralysis" mindset, as she discussed on LinkedIn's "This is Working" podcast and video series.

People naturally gravitate toward those who can make firm decisions. According to Lynch, you have to know what direction you are heading to if you want to lead. As for herself, she uses the Socratic method towards her employees, who often encounter indecision, asking them what they think and what actions they would choose if they had to decide immediately. This method forces them to make decisive action most of the time, Lynch asserted.

The teachings of the Greek philosopher Socrates are from where Socrates' method was derived. It revolves around responding to open-ended questions that help individuals uncover answers independently.

This is supported by clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. Leslie Dobson, who defines Socratic questioning as a communication technique that allows one person to stimulate another's thinking using open-ended questions. These questions are designed to gently challenge individuals outside their comfort zone and encourage them to reflect on their thoughts, behaviors, and feelings, building awareness and empowering them to feel more in control.

This approach can enhance self-awareness, potentially leading to increased creativity and productivity, as suggested by Yale University philosophy and psychology professor Tamar Gendler. Rather than aiming to solve everything in one go, Socratic questioning helps her discern the next direction to proceed.

The 4 Stages of Socratic Questioning

The four stages of Socratic questioning, also referred to as "guided discovery," are structured in four distinct phases, according to DeepMind.

1. Asking questions to gather information.
2. Actively listen and reflect on the information received.
3. Summarizing the information.
4. Asking follow-up questions will help apply the information to the person's initial thoughts.