
Happy heuristics: Shock-resistant leader routines and rules of thumb for a complex world.
Cheap insurance
Nov 5, 2021
Explore the fascinating world of decision-making heuristics with Jamie and Jeff. They discuss the importance of slowing down when unsure, using the 'pause when unsure' principle to navigate risk. Practical examples illustrate how to apply these heuristics in daily life, from meetings to everyday choices. The hosts also tackle the fine line between pausing and paralysis, emphasizing the value of thoughtful deliberation. Discover how to improve decision-making quality amid uncertainty, using insights from thought leaders like Annie Duke and Nassim Taleb.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pause When Unsure
- Pause when you feel unsure to buy cheap insurance against low-probability, high-impact failures.
- Use small, low-cost pauses (e.g., two minutes to confirm responsibilities) to reduce downside risk.
Pilot Checklist Tragedy
- Jeff shares a story about pilots rushing a checklist and later tragic consequences when one pilot didn't role-model pausing.
- The example shows how skipping a pause can lead to irreversible harm.
Buy Cheap Insurance In Meetings
- Treat small pauses as cheap insurance proportionate to the downside risk before ending meetings.
- Ask participants to state their takeaways or save a draft and wait before sending consequential emails.











