Decisive Ideas

Among the books I've recently read is

DECISIVE   How To Make Better Choices In Life And Work

Chip Heath & Dan Heath, 2013

This excellent and practical book has much to say about organizations, individuals and the future of Earth. Decisions drive the future and relative few are optimal--even at major scales. There are better ways to approach decisions and this book shares an integrated plan. 

In Chapter 5 there is discussion of the dangers of Confirmation Bias, ie seeking information that confirms initial assumptions (often self serving) and often encourages continuing down the “business as usual” path. 

To break out of that rut (the difference between a rut and a grave is the shape of the hole) we need to proactively foster constructive disagreement within our organizations. 

That’s not an easy task when many organizations are structured to suppress any dissenting opinions. 

Roger Martin is credited by the authors for devising a means around such barricades to open discussion of widely ranging options.

In considering a choice that is not high on the list of preferences, or perhaps not on that list at all, we should ask this question-- “what would it take to make this option the very best choice?”

What conditions would need to exist? What expansion of understanding would be necessary? What future scenarios might be seen as probable to make this choice take the top position on the list? 

The key is that instead of triggering instant push back and rampant nay saying from the devote corporate players, this question requires some creative thought --- without requiring abandonment of the preconceived notions they came in with. Imagining a set of conditions in which we’d change our minds can be very healthy for all of us in business and in our personal life. 

For example, what would it take for real estate brokers and agents to fold energy efficiency into the listing and selling process in both residential and commercial real estate transaction? 

A corollary would be what would it take the stare and national trade association to endorse energy efficiency as an attribute that Buyers should consider among their numerous other search criteria. 

Ocean views, school districts, living area, bedroom count, granite counters, swimming pools are considered bona fide attributes. Energy efficiency isn’t. What would it take to change that? 

Thought experiment: Make a list of 5 major conditions that would need to exist for energy efficiency to assume an important role in the decision process for choosing the best house or commercial property?