Lesson 3: Decision-Making Under Pressure

✅ Learning Outcomes:

• Make confident and timely decisions even in high-stakes situations.

• Balance risks and rewards when evaluating options.

📘 Content:

1. Freelance Scenarios Requiring Fast Decisions:

• A client asks for extra work without extra pay.

• A deadline conflict between two high-value clients.

• You’re offered a long-term job that underpays but guarantees stability.

2. Decision-Making Models:

• DECIDE Framework:
  1. Define the problem

  2. Establish criteria

  3. Consider alternatives

  4. Identify best choice

  5. Develop a plan

  6. Evaluate the outcome

• Pros and Cons List

• Risk Matrix (High/Low Impact vs. High/Low Probability)

3. Emotional Intelligence in Decisions:

• Pause before reacting

• Separate facts from emotion

• Consider long-term impact, not just urgency

🛠️ Activity:

Use the DECIDE model to respond to this situation:

You’re offered a high-paying project with a 24-hour deadline. You’re already working on another client’s project due tomorrow.