Overview
This article explores practical approaches to decision making for technical leaders. It argues against over-reliance on complex spreadsheets for simple choices and presents concise mental models that help leaders act quickly and confidently.
Key Takeaways
- Use simple heuristics for low-stakes decisions instead of detailed spreadsheets.
- Identify the level of risk and choose a decision-making style that matches it.
- Leverage team input early to avoid analysis paralysis.
- Keep documentation light for decisions that can be revisited.
- Recognize when a formal process (e.g., cost-benefit analysis) is truly needed.
Who Would Benefit
- Engineering managers who need to make frequent trade-off decisions.
- Technical leads balancing speed and quality.
- Product managers looking for efficient decision frameworks.
- Leaders aiming to improve team autonomy in decision making.
Frameworks and Methodologies
- OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act)
- RAPID decision-making framework
- Simple decision matrix for high-impact choices