Decisions and judgement
Thinking clearly under pressure, spotting the biases that trip us up, weighing risk, and choosing well with imperfect information.
Ideas on this theme, newest first
Looking good is not the job
Every idea this week came down to one choice. Do you want to look good in the room, or do you want the result? You rarely get both, and the room is a poor judge.Tie yourself to the mast
Make your important decisions while you are calm, so the heated moment can't undo them.Are you hunting mice or wildebeest?
Fix the right problem
Inputs matter, but only results count.
You don’t tie two ships together in a storm
Seek genuine feedback not validation
Don’t rely on average inputs if you’re looking for non-average outcomes
Confidence is conditional. Overconfidence isn’t.
We live in a world of bubbles
Feedback through ego-tinted glasses
Confirmation Bias: Disprove your opinions
Base your decisions on future value and not on past costs
Switch off your rational mind from time to time
Are you as awesome as you think you are?
Superalert, hungry but not weak, and ready to hunt
Is there a worm in your banana? A lesson on acknowledging and accepting your misbeliefs
We are biased to our tribes. Actively seek advice elsewhere.
Look for where there are no bullet holes
Ignore the FOMO
Stop barking at all the cars on the street
Where Should I Live?
Focus on the Job and not on the Glory
Go for the Quick Wins
Taking Risks
Other themes
Building and scaling companies
Strategy, product and execution, and growing without losing what made it good.
Selling and raising
Finding customers, closing deals, pricing, and raising the money to keep going.
Leadership and culture
Setting the tone and building a team that does good work when nobody is checking.
Communication and influence
Saying things clearly and persuading without pushing, whoever is across the table.
Mindset and habits
Persistence, optimism and the daily routines that keep you moving forward.