From the course: Work Smarter, Think Sharper, Live Better: 15 Tips for Igniting Your Potential

Unlock this course with a free trial

Join today to access over 24,600 courses taught by industry experts.

The best way to make a tough decision

The best way to make a tough decision

From the course: Work Smarter, Think Sharper, Live Better: 15 Tips for Igniting Your Potential

Start my 1-month free trial Buy for my team

The best way to make a tough decision

“

We human beings are pretty good problem solvers, but we generally stink at solving our own problems. It's called Solomon's paradox, after the famous king who was this grand sage, judicious figure, but who messed up his own life. When we solve our own problems, we're often too close to them. We look at them like scuba divers in the water. What we should be doing is looking at them like oceanographers. So here are two techniques to help you make tough decisions. The first one really applies in business. It comes from Andy Grove, the former CEO of Intel in its heyday. He used to say that when he faced a tough decision, he wasn't sure what to do, he would ask himself this question, "If I were replaced tomorrow, what would my successor do? " And he always knew. It's a form of self-distancing. If I were replaced tomorrow, what would my successor do? And invariably, his successor would make the tough call, do the right thing, make a bolder choice. So that's one technique. Now, you can apply…

Contents