Decisive

The book is divided into four sections, each of which explores a different aspect of decision-making. The first section, “Widen Your Options,” focuses on the importance of expanding your options when making decisions. The authors argue that too often, people limit themselves to a narrow set of options, which can lead to poor decisions. They provide several strategies for expanding your options, such as considering the opposite of what you believe, seeking out advice from others, and looking for new sources of information.

The second section, “Reality-Test Your Assumptions,” explores the importance of challenging your assumptions when making decisions. The authors argue that people often make decisions based on faulty assumptions, which can lead to poor outcomes. They provide several strategies for reality-testing your assumptions, such as seeking out disconfirming evidence, conducting experiments, and considering the long-term consequences of your decisions.

The third section, “Attain Distance Before Deciding,” focuses on the importance of taking a step back and gaining perspective before making decisions. The authors argue that people often make decisions based on their emotions or immediate reactions, which can lead to poor outcomes. They provide several strategies for attaining distance before deciding, such as taking a break, seeking out diverse perspectives, and considering the bigger picture.

The final section, “Prepare to Be Wrong,” explores the importance of being open to the possibility that you may be wrong when making decisions. The authors argue that people often become too attached to their decisions, which can lead to poor outcomes. They provide several strategies for preparing to be wrong, such as considering multiple scenarios, setting up “tripwires” to monitor your decisions, and being willing to change your mind.

Throughout the book, the authors provide numerous examples of individuals and organizations that have successfully applied these principles to improve their decision-making. For example, they discuss how the CEO of a major retailer used the “attain distance before deciding” principle to make a major strategic decision, and how a hospital used the “prepare to be wrong” principle to reduce the number of medical errors.

One of the strengths of Decisive is its practicality. The authors provide readers with concrete strategies and tools that they can use to improve their decision-making immediately. For example, they provide a “WRAP” framework for making better decisions, which stands for “Widen Your Options,” “Reality-Test Your Assumptions,” “Attain Distance Before Deciding,” and “Prepare to Be Wrong.” They also provide a “10/10/10” framework for making decisions, which involves considering the consequences of your decision in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term.

Another strength of the book is its accessibility. The authors write in a clear and engaging style that makes the book easy to read and understand. They use numerous examples and anecdotes to illustrate their points, which helps to make the book more relatable and memorable.

One potential weakness of the book is that some readers may find the principles and strategies to be overly simplistic. While the authors provide practical tools and strategies, some readers may feel that the book does not delve deeply enough into the complexities of decision-making. Additionally, some readers may feel that the book is too focused on individual decision-making, and does not address the challenges of making decisions in a group or organizational context.

Overall, Decisive is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their decision-making skills. The book provides readers with practical tools and strategies that they can use to make better decisions in their personal and professional lives. While some readers may find the principles and strategies to be overly simplistic, the book is accessible and engaging, and provides numerous examples and anecdotes to illustrate its points.