Types of Quick Thinking Techniques: How to Improve Your On-Your-Feet Decision Making

Being able to think on your feet, make quick decisions, and perform under pressure are all key skills necessary for success in today's competitive world. Whether it's in your professional or personal life, there will be countless situations where you'll need to act fast and think critically. That's why many employers value this quality highly when looking for new hires.

Having the ability to work effectively under pressure and make quick decisions is not a new concept. Many organizations, such as defense organizations and the FBI, have been utilizing the "Thinking on Your Feet" exercise in their hiring process for quite some time.

In today's highly competitive job market, the skill of quick decision making has become even more essential for job seekers.

14 Tips for Thinking On Your Feet

Stay composed and take deep breaths to calm your nerves. This will help you think clearly and make better decisions. Remember, a calm mind is a focused mind.

Taking deep breaths, repeating positive affirmations like "I am capable" or "I will succeed," and practicing muscle relaxation techniques can help alleviate the pressure and anxiety that often come with unexpected situations. By incorporating these small exercises into your routine, you can quickly overcome nervousness and improve your ability to think clearly.

Pay close attention to the question being asked by the questioner as failing to do so could decrease your chances of finding a solution. Each detail of the question should be carefully considered and given the utmost attention.

Eliminate all potential distractions such as putting your mobile phone on silent and turning off or moving away from your laptop while listening. Be attentive to both the question being asked and the questioner's body language and facial expressions. Often, questioners convey valuable information through their nonverbal cues - for instance, excessive hand gestures and frequent eye contact may indicate their trust in and interest in your opinion. However, it's important to be discerning and take note of every detail to gain control over the situation.

3. Show confidence:

Having confidence in self is very important. When faced with an unexpected situation, it is not only for you to feel confident, but you are also required to look confident.

Regularly engaging with your work and being knowledgeable about your responsibilities can boost your confidence level. Another way to build confidence is through practice, such as seeking solutions for anticipated situations or learning from the experiences of others who have successfully overcome challenges.

In addition, cultivating positive relationships with your manager and colleagues can also contribute to a greater sense of self-assurance. When you understand their perspectives and expectations, you are more likely to feel at ease in proposing solutions that align with organizational goals and fulfill their needs.

You should show confidence in both the way you speak and through your body language.

4. Repeat the questions

Jumping to a quick solution when faced with a question may seem like the best approach, but it can backfire if you haven't fully considered the context and details of the situation. To avoid this, it's often helpful to take a step back and ask the question to be repeated. This not only gives you time to gather your thoughts and calm your nerves, but also ensures that you have all the necessary information to provide a well-informed response.

By doing this, you make sure that you completely understand the question before you come up with a solution.

5. Ask to repeat the question:

Opt for either the fourth or fifth tips to gain a clearer understanding of the question at hand. In the event that you misunderstand the query, don't hesitate to ask the questioner to repeat it. Rest assured that seeking clarification does not reflect poorly on your competence; rather, it affords you the opportunity to listen to the question once more and grasp it more comprehensively.

Moreover, the questioner will rephrase the question. That might help you to understand and comprehend the question in a better way.

6. Don’t be afraid

In unexpected situations, it's natural to feel pressure to come up with a brilliant solution on the spot. But the truth is, nobody expects you to have all the answers right away. Don't let the fear of failure or looking foolish hold you back from contributing to the conversation. Instead, focus on remaining calm and confident, even in the face of uncertainty. With practice, you'll learn to trust your instincts and offer valuable insights in any situation.

Take a moment to gather your thoughts:

Before presenting your solution, it's important to take a moment to gather your thoughts. There's no need to rush into speaking. By taking a brief pause, you can carefully consider how you want to present your solution and choose the most effective words to convey your message.

. It can help clarify your point and make your answer more relatable. For instance, if you are asked about your leadership style, you can provide an example of a successful project you led and how you utilized your leadership skills to make it happen.

Instead of simply answering a question in plain language, it can be more engaging to present your response in the form of a story. By incorporating examples and engaging your listener with your storytelling skills, you can capture their attention and keep them interested in what you have to say. Storytelling is a valuable skill to have in communication.

You don’t just need this skill to entertain your kids, but you also use this skill to enhance your presentation in front of your colleagues and bosses.

9. Always be honest

It is important to always maintain honesty, whether or not you have the answer to a question. There may be instances where you are asked for your opinion on a matter and may not necessarily align with your superior's stance. In such cases, it is crucial to express your views truthfully and provide valid reasoning to support them.

Similarly, if you are unable to provide a solution immediately, it is recommendable to acknowledge that and suggest seeking assistance from someone who may be better equipped to offer a suitable resolution.

Instead of trying to come up with a half-baked solution, it's better to be honest and ask for time to come up with a more effective one. This not only shows integrity, but also builds trust with those around you and enhances your reputation.

Anticipating potential "what-if" scenarios can help you feel more confident and prepared. Consider what questions or concerns your manager might have based on previous conversations or current events, and brainstorm possible responses. This will not only help you stay on top of your game but also demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.

To adequately address potential what-if questions, it's crucial to possess a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. This level of knowledge can only be attained by investing additional time into researching and studying the subject matter.

11. Don’t be defensive

Many people get defensive when out of all present in the meeting they are asked to answer.

If you find yourself in a situation where one wrong answer or inability to answer a question could potentially sabotage your entire presentation, it can be incredibly daunting. However, it's important to remember that the situation is not entirely hopeless.

If you have put in the time to prepare thoroughly and are confident in your knowledge and experience, you have the potential to outshine all other presenters in the room. Defensive behavior is not the answer - instead, focus on using your expertise to your advantage.

Even if you don’t know the answer, you can ask for time to come up with the solution later and can move ahead with the presentation.

12. Pay attention to non-verbal cues

During times of stress, it's common for individuals to become fixated on their own thoughts and actions, often neglecting to observe the body language of those around them. However, it's important to recognize that non-verbal cues are just as crucial as verbal communication. By paying attention to non-verbal cues, you can adjust your speech accordingly and improve the outcome of important business interactions and deals.

It's important to know when to pause and let your audience absorb what you've said. Take breaks to allow them to ask questions or provide feedback. This will keep them engaged and interested in what you have to say.

Therefore, make sure that rather than talking non-stop, you must use the tricks to bring back the attention of your audience.

14. Learn to organize your answer

It's common for individuals to become anxious and struggle with answering questions due to a multitude of thoughts racing through their mind. In a meeting setting, it's crucial to provide concise and direct responses rather than lengthy speeches.

To improve your communication skills, it's important to cultivate the ability to quickly organize your thoughts and limit your answer to one or two points at most. This practice will help you become a more effective speaker in any situation.

Here is a video byon Thinking Skills.

How to become better at thinking on your feet?

Here are some techniques you can employ to improve your ability to think quickly in the moment.

Practice using thinking games to improve your ability to think on your feet. This skill is crucial for success in today's competitive world. While experience can enhance this skill, it's important not to miss any opportunities due to lack of preparation.

on current events and trends by reading newspapers, magazines, and online articles. This will broaden your knowledge and give you more information to draw upon when thinking critically about various topics. Stay informed and stay curious.

Staying informed and knowledgeable is crucial for achieving success. Being aware of the latest developments in your organization or industry is essential for making quick and effective decisions.

It is imperative to keep your information up-to-date so that you are always equipped with the necessary facts and figures to make informed decisions at any given moment.

Observe and learn from the experiences of others when it comes to answering quickly. Take inspiration from their tactics and strategies to better prepare yourself for prompt responses.

In addition to this, you can watch conferences online and learn how people handle unexpected questions on the spot.

Conclusion

Being able to quickly come up with solutions to unexpected problems is a highly valued trait in today's fast-paced and competitive environment. Developing the ability to think on your feet takes practice and experience, but it can be honed by remaining composed under pressure and taking a moment to gather your thoughts before speaking. With this skill in your arsenal, you'll be better equipped to handle any challenges that come your way.