How to use your B.R.A.I.N

I came across the B.R.A.I.N decision-making tool in a birthing class.

Repeatedly hearing “try using your brain” feels like a sarcastic slap in the face, but it’s actually a really simple and effective tool I’ve been using in all areas of life and work.

Examples…

In a delivery ward, expecting mums and their support people might be presented with the option of being induced. In another scenario, you might be faced with the option of hiring a marketing assistant, or buying a second car, or accepting a meeting invitation.

Rather than making a hasty decision, try using your B.R.A.I.N:

• B: What are the Benefits?
• R: What are the Risks?
• A: What are the Alternatives?
• I: What are your Instincts telling you?
• N: What happens if you do Nothing?

We’re all familiar with Benefits and Risks. Strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons. Very black and white, very yes-or-no. Super important, but not the whole picture.

Alternatives might not always make it into the conversation, so it’s great to be prompted to actually go looking for some… you may come up with a better idea (imagine that!).

Instincts create space for you to acknowledge your spidey senses if they’re tingling, so you can act on what feels more right (or wrong) – sometimes the pros might outweigh the cons on paper, but your gut is telling you otherwise 👉 don’t ignore that.

And adding “what if we do nothing” is a question coated in solid gold. In my opinion, it’s not considered often enough as an option, particularly in a business setting when the ball is already rolling.

How many times have you been asked to work on something and thought this is a waste of time, or this’ll never work, or why are we doing #this# instead of #that#?.

Just use your brain (not an insult 😜).