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The Decision Maker's Playbook
The Decision Maker's Playbook is an easy-to-use, “how-to” toolkit to improve managers' decision making, using visualisations, relevant examples and actionable checklists that cater to its main target analytically interested, busy managers and entrepreneurs. The Decision Maker's Playbook will help readers navigate a complex world. Along the four chapters of the books, it will help you 1. Collective Evidence 2. Connecting the Dots 3. Crafting the Approach 4. Complete the Mission The Decision Maker's Playbook is your personal toolbox to help you make better decisions. It offers practical advice to help you understand, analyse and shape your world. As simplified representations of reality, the models portrayed in this book allow us to see patterns, identify relationships, and view the world from different vantage points. They help us understand and break up complex phenomena into tractable pieces. From Unknown unknowns over Fat Tails to Counterfactuals , this book will make lesser known but highly relevant models available for immediate use – in a visual way, supported by applicable case studies and without jargon.
240 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2019
55 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 4, 2019
The cover endorsement from Daniel Pink claims that this book is a "Must-have for all decision-makers" - and it really is. The world is becoming increasingly complex with the rise of big data, the increase in the pace of technological change and news cycles... and for decision-makers, the number of options available, the amount of data we could make use of, and the speed at which we have to make decisions can feel quite overwhelming (especially when we are so aware of our own cognitive biases and limitations...).
This book provides an incredibly valuable set of tools with which to tackle these increasingly knotty decisions in our professional and personal lives - each chapter is a bite-size chunk of tools and mental tactics which at the same time quite profound and deeply evidence-based, but also easy to understand and import into your daily life.
I considered myself someone who was quite familiar with the literature on decision-making, behavioral biases and psychology, but this book has taught me a huge amount more - not just the content, but crucially also the tools for HOW to apply it. Part of the edge this book has over so many others is the unique format: it's highly visual, full of diagrams and charts and examples to bring the concepts to life.
It's hard to list my favorite parts, but some of them included:
(1) The chapters on Regression to the Mean and Real Options - I was somewhat aware of the concepts, but for both, reading this book was the first time that they have really stuck in my head - particularly, how to think about them when I'm interpreting data for my own decisions, and considering factors in my own life. It's already changed a few decisions I've made!
(2) All the diagrams are great, and I've incorporated quite a few of them into my decision-making. I really like the ones on problem prioritization in the first chapter, on systems thinking, and on tree diagrams.
(3) Super helpful practical guidance on how to collect, visualize and interpret all sorts of data, as well as how to run simple experiments or AB-Testing - and how to know which type of situation calls for which type of data gathering or experiment (including self-experimentation in your personal life!).
I could go on, but this review is getting a little long. Suffice to say: the book is highly recommended.
This book provides an incredibly valuable set of tools with which to tackle these increasingly knotty decisions in our professional and personal lives - each chapter is a bite-size chunk of tools and mental tactics which at the same time quite profound and deeply evidence-based, but also easy to understand and import into your daily life.
I considered myself someone who was quite familiar with the literature on decision-making, behavioral biases and psychology, but this book has taught me a huge amount more - not just the content, but crucially also the tools for HOW to apply it. Part of the edge this book has over so many others is the unique format: it's highly visual, full of diagrams and charts and examples to bring the concepts to life.
It's hard to list my favorite parts, but some of them included:
(1) The chapters on Regression to the Mean and Real Options - I was somewhat aware of the concepts, but for both, reading this book was the first time that they have really stuck in my head - particularly, how to think about them when I'm interpreting data for my own decisions, and considering factors in my own life. It's already changed a few decisions I've made!
(2) All the diagrams are great, and I've incorporated quite a few of them into my decision-making. I really like the ones on problem prioritization in the first chapter, on systems thinking, and on tree diagrams.
(3) Super helpful practical guidance on how to collect, visualize and interpret all sorts of data, as well as how to run simple experiments or AB-Testing - and how to know which type of situation calls for which type of data gathering or experiment (including self-experimentation in your personal life!).
I could go on, but this review is getting a little long. Suffice to say: the book is highly recommended.
January 24, 2020
Nothing new or unheard of, but it's a good summary and/or starting point. I did read it cover to cover, but this book is meant to be used on demand, so will definitely be coming back to it.
December 26, 2020
One: Use “mental models” to make smart decisions in an increasingly complex world that is drowning in data.
Two: Frame the problem before you try to solve it.
Three: Embrace varied viewpoints and independent thinking.
Four: Solving problems requires an open, unbiased mind.
Five: Discover and defuse your blind spots.
Six: Create an “objective evidence base” by diversifying your information sources.
Seven: Connect all the dots.
Eight: Apply systems thinking.
Nine: Plan your problem-solving approach.
Ten: Methodically implement your problem-solving initiative.
Eleven: Have multiple mental models at your disposal.
Twelve: Take action.
Two: Frame the problem before you try to solve it.
Three: Embrace varied viewpoints and independent thinking.
Four: Solving problems requires an open, unbiased mind.
Five: Discover and defuse your blind spots.
Six: Create an “objective evidence base” by diversifying your information sources.
Seven: Connect all the dots.
Eight: Apply systems thinking.
Nine: Plan your problem-solving approach.
Ten: Methodically implement your problem-solving initiative.
Eleven: Have multiple mental models at your disposal.
Twelve: Take action.
May 27, 2020
Good list of points. Clear and concise.
I felt like they were strung together in an overarching framework that was a bit forced. Really, they are all standalone points.
If you read a lot in this subject area, you will have heard of everything that they talk about. However it serves well as a refresher (just because you've heard information once, doesn't mean you can remember it when relevant). I think it will also work well as reference material to consult when making important decisions.
I felt like they were strung together in an overarching framework that was a bit forced. Really, they are all standalone points.
If you read a lot in this subject area, you will have heard of everything that they talk about. However it serves well as a refresher (just because you've heard information once, doesn't mean you can remember it when relevant). I think it will also work well as reference material to consult when making important decisions.
February 1, 2020
Great book. Contains a lot of thinking models that could be applied easily at work. Also a condense book, which makes it easy to read and remember. Would definitely recommend reading.
September 10, 2021
A practical version of thinking fast and slow. Great read for decision makers
April 25, 2025
Excellent.
November 12, 2025
Highly pragmatic
October 20, 2025
The book serves as a useful introduction to strategic thinking, logical decision-making processes, and offers a welcome insight into how management consultants approach problems.
It took me quite a while to finish — not because of the content, but because the writing style didn’t quite captivate me as a literary reader. That said, I fully recognize its value and practical application within the business landscape. For those looking to sharpen their analytical mindset or better understand the consultant's way of thinking, this is a solid resource.
It took me quite a while to finish — not because of the content, but because the writing style didn’t quite captivate me as a literary reader. That said, I fully recognize its value and practical application within the business landscape. For those looking to sharpen their analytical mindset or better understand the consultant's way of thinking, this is a solid resource.
January 14, 2023
The book is very practical. It's very well organized and has a lot of visuals to make all the insights easy to grasp
June 20, 2021
One of the most actionable and useful guides I've ever read, I devoured and applied it to solve a complex problem in one week. I love how the last few chapters are implementation focused as well.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews