FranklinCovey On Leadership

Annie Duke: How do Leaders Make Decisions Based on Input from Their Teams

Aug 19, 2025
Annie Duke, a cognitive scientist and former professional poker player, shares her fascinating journey from card games in childhood to becoming a decision-making expert. She discusses how her upbringing influenced her understanding of uncertainty and strategy. Duke highlights the importance of historical context in forecasting and the value of structured techniques for collaborative decision-making in organizations. With insights on navigating personal challenges and enhancing organizational processes, her advice is a treasure trove for leaders and decision-makers alike.
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ANECDOTE

Cards Shaped Her View On Uncertainty

  • Annie Duke grew up playing cards nightly with her family and learned to handle uncertainty early.
  • Those games taught her to read others and narrow uncertainty through questioning and partnership signals.
ANECDOTE

Personal Trauma Fueled Her Interest In Uncertainty

  • Annie described growing up with a mother who struggled with severe alcoholism and how unpredictability affected her.
  • That home environment reinforced her focus on navigating uncertainty and structuring decisions to stay okay.
INSIGHT

Always Start With The Base Rate

  • Start forecasts with the base rate from similar historical cases before adjusting for specifics.
  • Use the outside view to avoid wishful thinking and anchor forecasts to realistic priors.
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