When it comes to leadership and career advancement, one of the most critical skills professionals need is the ability to make effective decisions. Whether it’s managing a team, resolving conflicts, or navigating complex projects, good decision-making is essential for success. But did you know that decision-making is not just an innate talent? It’s actually a cognitive function that can be trained and improved.

In recent years, research has shown that cognitive training—exercises that target the brain’s core functions—can have a significant impact on improving decision-making skills. These exercises work on executive functions, the high-level cognitive processes that include problem-solving, attention, memory, and, of course, decision-making. So how can cognitive training sharpen your brain, making those tough decisions at work a little easier?

 

What are executive functions, anyway?

Before we go any further, let’s break down what executive functions are. Executive functions are the brain’s command centre. They help you manage tasks, focus attention, remember information, and regulate emotions. Think of them as the mental toolkit you use every day to get things done efficiently.

One of the most important executive functions is decision-making. This process involves weighing options, predicting outcomes, and making judgments based on available information. It’s a skill that’s critical for leadership, where every decision can affect a team or organisation.

 

Why decision-making matters for leaders

Good decision-making isn’t just about making the right choice—it’s about making it quickly and confidently, especially in a high-pressure environment. Leaders are often faced with situations that require them to evaluate options, consider potential risks, and choose a path forward, all while under the watchful eyes of their team or stakeholders.

Improved decision-making can lead to better leadership because it enhances problem-solving, crisis management, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re leading a project, managing a team, or working your way up the corporate ladder, cognitive training can give you an edge by helping you make smarter, faster decisions.

 

The science of decision-making

So, how exactly does cognitive training enhance decision-making? It’s all about improving your brain’s processing speed and working memory. Working memory is like your brain’s short-term storage—it holds onto bits of information you need to make quick judgments. By strengthening working memory, cognitive exercises help you sort through data faster, weigh options more efficiently, and make better choices.

Studies have shown that cognitive training increases neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. This is particularly important for decision-making because the more flexible and adaptable your brain is, the better it can process new information and adjust to unexpected situations.

 

How cognitive training works

Cognitive training refers to specific exercises designed to improve brain functions like memory, attention, and decision-making, ranging from simple memory games to more complex problem-solving tasks while you are simultaneously performing a physical task that could be a strength, cardio or balancing exercise. The goal? Strengthening the brain’s neural pathways, much like how physical exercise strengthens muscles.

Recent studies, like one conducted by Northeastern University, highlight that cognitive training can lead to noticeable improvements in decision-making abilities. The study found that brain-training programs targeting attention and memory resulted in better executive function performance overall. Participants in the study showed a marked improvement in tasks that required quick decision-making and problem-solving​.

Another study published by MIT Press focused on the combined effects of cognitive training and physical exercise on memory and decision-making. The researchers found that participants who engaged in both cognitive and physical exercises experienced a boost in high-interference memory tasks—activities that demand quick thinking and decision-making under pressure​. This suggests that pairing cognitive training with physical activity – also called cognitive-motor training, could amplify the benefits, making your brain even sharper when facing complex decisions.

 

How to get started with cognitive training

If you’re interested in boosting your decision-making skills, there are plenty of ways to start incorporating cognitive training into your routine. Here are a few ideas:

Challenging Puzzles: Games like chess, Sudoku, or even complex strategy video games can challenge your brain and improve decision-making under pressure.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Mindfulness exercises can improve focus and emotional regulation, which are key for making thoughtful decisions under stress.

Physical Exercise: Combine your cognitive training with physical exercise. As the MIT study suggests, pairing the two can lead to even better results​.
For example, you can walk in place or pedal on a stationary bike while doing crosswords, or count backwards from 99 to 0 while swimming.

Start with easy cognitive-motor training “tasks” and work your way up to more challenging ones while moving your body to get the best benefits.

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What about brain training games on mobile? We’ve done the research, and the results might surprise you – Find out why these popular apps fall short despite their promises in this article.  If you are looking for digital tools to help, reach out to us: we selected a couple of science-backed tools and apps to really boost your skills. 

 

Final Thoughts

Cognitive training, and especially cognitive-motor training,  is an exciting field that offers real, tangible benefits for professionals looking to enhance their decision-making skills. By investing time in exercises that strengthen executive functions, you’re not only improving your brain health but also setting yourself up for better leadership and career success.

So, next time you’re faced with a tough decision at work, remember that it’s not just intuition guiding you—it’s the result of a well-trained brain!