Final answer:
To extricate oneself from a problem that can't be directly solved, using cognitive skills to make decisions and acting altruistically for the greater good can help side-step the issue. Anticipating future situations and preparing for a range of outcomes by being flexible is crucial. Reflecting on past experiences can provide insight into decision-making strategies and how to navigate ambiguity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thinking on one's feet to extricate oneself from a challenging situation involves several cognitive and social skills. For example, confronting a pressing issue at work where immediate consensus is needed but not quickly attainable could be achieved by employing several strategies. One could use cognitive skills to make decisions, such as analyzing potential outcomes, considering the preferences and values of others involved, and leveraging heuristics or rules of thumb to guide decision-making in the absence of complete information. Acting altruistically, or considering the greater good over individual gain, may also aid the process.
In such a scenario, rather than resolving the fundamental disagreement which may take extensive time and negotiation, you might side-step the issue by proposing a temporary or compromise solution. By doing so, you anticipate situations and adapt, maintaining group cohesion and progress while allowing more time to address the root of the problem. This example illustrates the importance of being flexible and preparing for unforeseen circumstances by pursuing paths that have broad utility.
Reflecting on past experiences, such as group decisions where disagreement occurs, helps to understand how one's decision-making process has evolved and what influences such as the power of the situation or existential uncertainty play in shaping choices.