How “guard rails” simplify the path to success

We live in a “multi-option society”. In everyday life and at work, we are inundated with promises, offers, “deals”, product, service and technology variants and improvements.

This makes our planning and decisions complex and time-consuming. We are often plagued by the feeling that we have made or are making the “wrong” decision.

Guard rails reduce options and provide orientation

“Guard rails” can help you to simplify decisions and make them consistently. In this context, guard rails are values and principles that you want to be guided by. With guard rails, you automatically exclude options and approaches that are out of the question for you.

There are numerous guard rails in our society. Some examples:

• Human rights: Universal values that protect the rights and freedoms of every individual.
• Basic law or constitution of a country: These lay down the basic rights and duties of citizens as well as the structure and function of the state.
• Company code: Many companies have a code or code of conduct that guides the behavior of their employees.
• Environmental protection guidelines: These can exist at both state and corporate level and define standards for environmental protection.
• The Hippocratic Oath: An ethical code for physicians.

The guard rails that you set for yourself are strongly based on your values and your identity. After all, you want to feel comfortable during and after the decision-making process. Even if a decision turns out to be less than ideal, it was still authentic. Such a misstep will then be less of a burden for you. You can better accept unfavorable decisions and correct them quickly.

The guidelines that are relevant and appropriate for you will help you to stay on course both in your professional life and in your private life and not get sidetracked by the hustle and bustle of everyday life.