Super Deciders

Chapter 5Identifying Assumptions and Testing Them

Claudio Feser, Daniella Laureiro-Martinez, and Stefano Brusoni

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues; those who go forward but very slowly can get further, if they always follow the right road, than those who are in too much of a hurry and stray off it.

—René Descartes, Discourse on the Method (2018)

Thank you for making time again, Eve, at such short notice. I appreciate your flexibility,” said Isabelle as she started the video call with Eve.

“No worries,” answered Eve. “What's up?”

“First of all, I wanted to share with you that our conversations have proved to be very helpful. Debating dilemmas helped me see more and better options. And the seven heuristics proved to be very helpful for making the decision on the issue we discussed last time.”

“I am glad to hear that!” said Eve.

“Well, but I feel I am stuck with another decision now. As you had suggested, I ensured that we have a well-performing team, a team in which all members contribute, respect, and trust each other, and feel safe. As a result, I feel that we get lots of different and good options. Yet, when it comes to decisions, and even when we have access to the identical facts, we seem to interpret the situation differently, and are unable to come to an agreement.”

“Is your question, how can all your top team members look at the same information and interpret it so differently?”

“Yes, exactly!”

“Hmmm, let me show you ...