Decision making is a skill that is honed. Most people think that it is decision making is the gathering of information and that it alone will "solve" the problem. Decision Making is a process - Problem Statement, Gather Information, Make a plan, Execute plan, Revise as necessary. I used to be the coordinator for middle school science fairs. I would tell parents that the Scientific Method is not unique to science but really is a frame work for life. I also was in the military and a 50% plan delivered timely is better than a 100% plan delivered late. Most plans (decisions) people make are overcome by events (OBE).
You should not interview customers to make decisions, but to understand them. This is the difference between opinion polls and insights research. (Most of managers are missing this point.)
Agreed, I think what Tim wrote vastly misunderstands the role of user research and how it can aid decision-making. It’s not about asking a load of people what they want, it’s not design by committee.
As a strong decision maker myself, I find if hard to understand why others don’t do it more often - your article gives a few good reasons ... and I loved the Henry Ford quote too!!
Hi Deirdre. I was hooked by your statement of strong decision-making and I wanted to ask: were you always am strong decision-maker? If not, how did you become better at making decisions? How do you handle overthinking that halts making decisions?
The buried treasure: ask someone "closely aligned with the decision I’m trying to make."
It can be hard to find someone on the exact same path as you, but the decision itself is just a template like any other, and there are plenty of people who've experienced the same template.
"The average person isn’t that smart though. The average person isn’t winning. Most people don’t even have $1000 in savings. So why the f*ck would you ask the majority for their opinion on your decision?"
Great perspective on why you should seek the advice and guidance of those who are where you want to be. It's why I started following you Tim, in fact. I deeply appreciate this post and I'm glad I found your Substack, because I wouldn't have found it on Medium it seems.
I appreciate the insights shared in this piece. I completely resonate with the idea of embracing the discomfort of hard decisions. At times, I rely too much on the opinions of those closest to me to make my decision, despite them not being in marketing or having their own clientele.
This was a great boost of confidence and self-reflection.
You have no idea how much this post helped me! I usually obsessively research and read too many opinions because I want to make the right decision so that I don't "fail." But not trusting yourself enough and having to rely on everyone else for decisions is an aggressive, self-defeating cycle. Stuffing too many inputs (opinions and suggestions) overwhelms the system. Your post inspired me to trust my gut, because the ability to make my own well-informed decisions with confidence is empowering. The worst decision is not making a decision!
Brilliant. I might have to "steal" pretty much all of this for my sober material. This can specifically relate to the decision to keep drinking. Over-drinkers often look for a sign before they quit, or they want so and so's approval, etc. They ask their friends at the bar if they have a problem, and imagine the response they receive. Etc. Thanks, Tim! This can apply to so many areas in our lives.
Decision making is a skill that is honed. Most people think that it is decision making is the gathering of information and that it alone will "solve" the problem. Decision Making is a process - Problem Statement, Gather Information, Make a plan, Execute plan, Revise as necessary. I used to be the coordinator for middle school science fairs. I would tell parents that the Scientific Method is not unique to science but really is a frame work for life. I also was in the military and a 50% plan delivered timely is better than a 100% plan delivered late. Most plans (decisions) people make are overcome by events (OBE).
Love that military story Mark. Such a great quote I will borrow.
You should not interview customers to make decisions, but to understand them. This is the difference between opinion polls and insights research. (Most of managers are missing this point.)
It pays to study psychology too Jan
Agreed, I think what Tim wrote vastly misunderstands the role of user research and how it can aid decision-making. It’s not about asking a load of people what they want, it’s not design by committee.
Finally he got a 6-figure job opportunity. He turned it down.
I would say that there's something wrong with your friend, and he needs help before he kills one of his children.
If you don't mind me asking, what was the 6 figure job? Would I be qualified for it?
Perhaps a little harsh. The job was project manager. The role was created for him by a friend.
True. When we reach people for help, we are losing a part of ourselves. Giving the freedom away. Agree.
Ahhhhh I love that you mentioned freedom. Bang on.
Thank you Tim! The replay link doesn’t work, ID love to watch how to rewrite your brain.
Only last 3 days Patrick. Sorry man.
Such a good subject, Tim. Thank you.
As a strong decision maker myself, I find if hard to understand why others don’t do it more often - your article gives a few good reasons ... and I loved the Henry Ford quote too!!
Hi Deirdre. I was hooked by your statement of strong decision-making and I wanted to ask: were you always am strong decision-maker? If not, how did you become better at making decisions? How do you handle overthinking that halts making decisions?
Hi Lucas,
I’ve pretty much always had the ability to make decisions
I put it down to being the eldest of 4 & a farmer’s daughter - there was no time for dithering!
I don’t overthink ... possibly as I’m pretty confident in my ability to cope with just about anything!
This is a great thread. Lucas does that response help?
I don't get it either Deirdre. Just decide LOL
This was excellent.
The buried treasure: ask someone "closely aligned with the decision I’m trying to make."
It can be hard to find someone on the exact same path as you, but the decision itself is just a template like any other, and there are plenty of people who've experienced the same template.
Great post, Tim.
Nice reframe Ben and spot on.
"The average person isn’t that smart though. The average person isn’t winning. Most people don’t even have $1000 in savings. So why the f*ck would you ask the majority for their opinion on your decision?"
Great perspective on why you should seek the advice and guidance of those who are where you want to be. It's why I started following you Tim, in fact. I deeply appreciate this post and I'm glad I found your Substack, because I wouldn't have found it on Medium it seems.
Glad to connect Lucas. Yes it can be hard to find stuff on Medium.
”Committees are a cul-de-sac where ideas are lured and then quietly strangled” -- WOW. 😊
Thank you, Tim, for yet another worthwhile read.
My pleasure :)
Thank you for this.
I appreciate the insights shared in this piece. I completely resonate with the idea of embracing the discomfort of hard decisions. At times, I rely too much on the opinions of those closest to me to make my decision, despite them not being in marketing or having their own clientele.
This was a great boost of confidence and self-reflection.
It's an easy mistake to make Virginia.
You have no idea how much this post helped me! I usually obsessively research and read too many opinions because I want to make the right decision so that I don't "fail." But not trusting yourself enough and having to rely on everyone else for decisions is an aggressive, self-defeating cycle. Stuffing too many inputs (opinions and suggestions) overwhelms the system. Your post inspired me to trust my gut, because the ability to make my own well-informed decisions with confidence is empowering. The worst decision is not making a decision!
You got what I was trying to say Dorothea. Nice work.
This is so great, Tim. Thank you, GOAT.
My pleasure.
Every word written resonated with me. Thanks for sharing this Tim.
#HateGroupThinking.
You rightly said, there is a difference between seeking experience of an expert and seeking validation from a cohort.
Little off topic, but reminds me of a quote - if we kept doing things the way our parents did, we'd still be lighting fires by rubbing stones.
Lol .... love that quote Parag
Love the decisiveness you share in this article.
It's going to help me move my business forward.
Much appreciated, Tim!
That's what I love to hear Jimmy.
Brilliant. I might have to "steal" pretty much all of this for my sober material. This can specifically relate to the decision to keep drinking. Over-drinkers often look for a sign before they quit, or they want so and so's approval, etc. They ask their friends at the bar if they have a problem, and imagine the response they receive. Etc. Thanks, Tim! This can apply to so many areas in our lives.
Sure can Sarah. Never ask a drunk if it's a good idea to have one more :)
Never! :)
Phewwww
Fear of making a decision is a hidden form of procrastination.
Yep, and we're afraid to admit it Heather.