Pressure and its affects on our thinking...?

Yes, I agree with Mohamad. We do all have to face pressure in all aspects of our life. For me, the word pressure has a negative connotation--something that is very demanding and sometimes even threatening. How to respond to that ''pressure, is what makes the difference.

Working 'under pressure' has its pros and cons. Pressure can be a 'pro' wherein, it is a catalyst that creates a sense of urgency to do something immediately, to meet a deadline, targets, deliverables, etc. But it can be a 'con', too. Pressure can paralyze your thinking not to mention the stress and anxiety. When you're so pressured, it clouds your emotions and thinking, you make impulsive decisions. And as Mohamad mentioned, "making decisions under pressure can be costly." I learned this the hard way..

Sometimes pressure is unecessary and unjustifiable. Are timelines, targets, etc. realistic?
Is it within your authority and scope of responsibility?

My mentor told me to view pressure as a challenge and an opportunity. It was difficult at first because you have to psychologically condition your mind to think objectively, positively and consistently practice it until it becomes your normal response to pressure.

Yes, I also do the same when I am under pressure...I take a break...sleep on it, retrospect, reach out and seek advice maybe how I see the pressure is the issue itself.

My response to specific question " Say you need to make a quick decision (one that requires a response within the hour) what though processes do you go through to make that decision? What do you lean on most? Experience? Environmental factors (culture, boss pressure, etc)? Deadline? Your team or circle of advisers? Other? I would love to hear your thoughts."

My immediate response would be to analyze and work out a decision based on my experience. Given one hour notice and practicality of adviser's being available for a conversation, the above would be reconsidered or refined with additional facts/ inputs

" Say you need to make a quick decision (one that requires a response within the hour) what though processes do you go through to make that decision? What do you lean on most? Experience? Environmental factors (culture, boss pressure, etc)? Deadline? Your team or circle of advisers? Other? I would love to hear your thoughts."

My answer: It depends on what I am going to make a decision about. It would be a combination of my experience and solicited advice from my team/advisers. Definitely, I would balance things; weigh pros and cons; what are the risks and what is the impact of making that decision.

Marc, still depends. And, more than likely, a combination of 'elements', mostly chosen subconsciously. If you have built a strong network, lean on them for assistance. And still, depending on how strong that network is, that action could also be subconscious.

There is also something else to note. Those that remain diligent in their daily work efforts - doing things that are necessary even when 'no-one is looking', are the building blocks to providing a solid framework to base larger decisions - some of which have a short fuse.