With over 25 years experience in a broad range of roles in the Australian and UK banking/insurance sectors, Rebecca embraces Innovation methods to navigate through complexity and ambiguity in order to find new sources of organisational value. She has excellent general management skills that empower people to achieve their goals, aquired through post graduate qualifications and an academic background focused on Innovation, Shared Services and Finance.
What is your favourite, or most used, inspirational quote?
I keep coming back to this one by Teddy Roosevelt: “Comparison is the thief of joy”. It encourages me to avoid comparison, to appreciate what we have (not what we don’t have) and to seek contentment in all things. A sentiment for all ages!
What does great decision making look and feel like for you?
A great decision stands up to scrutiny. To assess this I can’t go past the list that Julie Bishop speaks to….1) What options did you consider before making your decision? 2) What are the costs of the decision – both moral and personal? 3) What is the evidence your decision will create the outcome you’re after and finally 4) What could possibly go wrong….what are the unintended consequences?
When was a time you were at your decision making best?
When I’m anchored in purpose and acting with confidence.
Who inspires you? Why?
Those who lead in a way that allow us to co-exist with difference rather than be divided by difference. This is becoming an increasingly rare commodity.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a better decision maker?
Find an intentional decision making method that works for you, practice it every day and finally turn your method into a daily habit!
What are you reading/watching at the moment?
I’ve always loved a good fantasy novel. I just finished the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas and it was brilliant! If you like fantasy – this is a story for the ages.
What is the most effective strategy you use for keeping your Ape (your emotional reactive state) in check?
Time. The beauty of getting older is that it gets easier to recognise when you’re in an emotional state. As soon as I know I’m triggered – I stay away from any big decisions and important or difficult conversations. Time always brings perspective and sometimes even just a few days can mean you handle a situation significantly better than had you responded in your emotional state.
What type of decision maker are you?
Achieving Activist.
Interested in discovering your own S-DMF profile? Complete our survey and find out today!
To connect with Rebecca Stephens:
You must log in to post a comment.