Have you ever made a decision, only to later realize that additional information would have led you in a completely different direction? Or maybe you’ve observed someone’s behavior and initially judged it, only to later understand why they acted that way after learning more about their situation?
What’s the common factor in these scenarios? Context.
Context gives us the broader picture. It helps us make better decisions, interpret situations more accurately, and ultimately, become more effective leaders and human beings. If we want to get smarter (and I certainly do), we need to develop the habit of seeking and understanding context.
So how do we do that? Here are three powerful ways to gain more context—and in doing so, make better decisions.
Ask for Other Perspectives
Too often, we see the world through our own lens and assume that’s the whole picture. But what if we’re missing something important?
Seeking different perspectives doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything you hear. It simply means you’re gathering more data to work with. When we intentionally ask others how they see a situation, we gain a fuller understanding of the factors at play.
If you only rely on your own experience and assumptions, your understanding of a situation will always be limited. But when you make the effort to consider different viewpoints, you’re adding valuable context that can help you make smarter decisions.
Recognize When “It Depends” is a Clue
Have you ever asked someone for advice and heard the response, “It depends”? While it might seem like a frustrating answer, it’s actually a goldmine of insight.
Whatever comes after “it depends” is often key information that shapes a decision. It highlights the factors that need to be considered before taking action.
When you find yourself thinking or saying, “It depends,” take a step back and ask: What are the variables at play? What details matter here that I haven’t considered yet? Instead of being annoyed by the uncertainty, embrace it as an opportunity to gain more context.
Ask Yourself: “What Don’t I Know?”
One of the biggest obstacles to making smart decisions is operating on incomplete information without realizing it. We often act based on what we do know while ignoring the gaps in our understanding.
But what if, before making a decision, you paused and asked: What don’t I know that might change my perspective?
By identifying what’s missing, you can take steps to find that information before moving forward. This doesn’t mean you should always delay action—some decisions need to be made quickly. But even a few moments of intentional thought can prevent costly mistakes and improve the quality of your choices.
More Context = Smarter Decisions
None of this means you need to overthink or hesitate when making decisions. It simply means being intentional about seeking more information before reacting.
Sometimes, our first instinct is correct. But other times, it’s based on incomplete data, leading to unintended consequences. By gathering more context—whether through other perspectives, recognizing key variables, or identifying missing information—we set ourselves up to be not only smarter, but also wiser.
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