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HBR IdeaCast

How One F-35 Fighter Pilot Makes Decisions Under Pressure

Jul 25, 2023
Hasard Lee, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of "The Art of Clear Thinking," shares his insights on high-pressure decision-making. He discusses how pilots utilize mental models to navigate tough situations, underscoring the importance of clarity and stress management. Lee introduces the ACE Helix model—Assess, Choose, Execute—as a framework for effective decision-making. He also highlights the critical role of debriefing in improving performance and how these principles can be applied in any organizational context.
27:04

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Utilize proven mental models for making tough decisions under high pressure.
  • Focus on executing decisions efficiently to improve outcomes and prioritize critical information.

Deep dives

Importance of Decision-Making Frameworks

Clear thinking and decision-making are crucial skills, applicable not only to fighter pilots but to individuals in various professions. Making good decisions is paramount as technology amplifies our choices and consequences. Developing a framework for decision-making, like the ACE model, assess, choose, execute, provides a structured approach to enhance decision-making abilities.

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